Wednesday 23 December 2020 - Come, Hope of the nations, Saviour of all peoples! Come and save what was lost - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1, 57-66

Births always bring joy to the community so that neighbours, relatives and friends occasionally visit each other and express wishes. We see this in the birth of John the Baptist. Let us remember, Elizabeth was very old when she had John: "the Lord had shown her the greatness of his mercy, and they rejoiced with her". Christmas is approaching, everyone is rejoicing, so may it bring joy and happiness and not the other way round. A birth already brings joy to ordinary people, and all the more so for the birth of the Son of God. However, there are those who cannot feel this joy, for many reasons, let us pray for them, that Christmas will come for them in the future!

Zechariah and Elizabeth, their parents and neighbours kept the law, and when the child was eight days old he was circumcised and given a name. It is important to follow the rules. They are supposed to help us harmonise society. Only those on the margins feel constrained by the rules, but those who walk upright don't seem to notice them. However, the law should never be set up to oppress or destroy each other.

Finally, Zechariah complied with the instructions given that John would be the name of his son, and his tongue was loosened. Faithfulness to God brings us grace, because God is faithful to his word and we must strive to imitate him. Christmas is near, let us always entrust our lives to the Lord and He will sustain us to remain faithful to Him. Amen.