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December 24, 2024“Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” -Luke 1:67-79
Tonight, my friends, Zechariah’s prophecy will come into being. This Advent, I meditated on the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. I looked forward to being with them as they found the place where Jesus was to be born.
Last night, Mary and Joseph stayed with some shepherds in the fields just outside of Bethlehem, and Mary asked me to remain there with them as she and Joseph moved on.
Later this night, Christ the King will be born. He will come to fulfill prophecy and set us free, yet the first to hear will not be kings, queens, the rich, or the famous. God will send His angel to proclaim the Good News to humble men who gave comfort to the Holy Family. Take a moment to lift up the Holy Family in prayer today. From God’s perspective, this day and that one coincide, and through prayer, we, like the shepherds, may give them aid on their final leg to Bethlehem.
Saints Adam and Eve, pray for us.
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Jesus, I trust in you.