Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1, 67-79
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.”
Prepare the way
1. Prepare. This is our focus today. The Gospel presents Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that, through Baptism, we are made prophets and called to prepare the way for the Lord. On this day, you’re invited to prepare not just your home for celebration and the family meal, but also your heart to receive the peace that comes from God. Seek forgiveness and peace. May you experience reconciliation and the opportunity to reflect inwardly. Find the right time and circumstances to help others and to embrace happiness. Prepare yourself for a joyful celebration.
2. Shine. Be a light for those who are in darkness, distant from God, or feeling lost or confused. Demonstrate your love for God. Place the Baby Jesus at the heart of your celebration so you may experience the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas: hope, love, and salvation. Illuminate the lives of others with a smile, a comforting word, or a hug when needed.
3. Guide. Lead others toward peace. Seek peace within your own heart. Steer clear of unnecessary arguments, choose to walk in the light of peace, and become a guide to others. To celebrate well, keep these three goals in mind: prepare, shine, and guide. Remind yourself, “God will never forget me, and I will not forget God.”
Wishing you hope, peace, and love remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
