(24TH DECEMBER)

First Reading: 2Sam 7:1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Psalm: 89 R. v. 2; Gospel: Lk 1:67-79

OUR SALVATION IS CLOSE

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The canticle of Zachariah popularly known as the Benedictus is another familiar hymn in the Church. Zachariah was dumb for nine months until the birth of his son. When he regained his speech after writing on a tablet that the child would be called John, the Benedictus was the hymn that proceeded from his mouth. In this hymn, Zachariah professed his belief in God’s plan in the history of salvation and how the fulfilment of this prophecy was here.

Zachariah prophesied and identified his little child as a prophet whose mission was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. All that Zachariah prophesied about his little child John would come to fulfilment. In this hymn, there was no doubt in the faith and prophecy of Zachariah regarding the fulfilment of the prophecies of old which his son John will serve as a precursor to initiate the actualization of this prophecy. This was the same man who doubted the possibility of John’s birth. Obviously, Zachariah’s nine months of penance made him twice stronger in faith.

The birth of John and the hymn of Zachariah give us the feeling that our salvation is close. It means that Christ our saviour would soon be born to us. God is coming to be with us like never before. He is coming to save us. To transform our lives, families and work. He is coming to intervene in our seemingly impossible cases just as he did in the family of Zachariah. We should embrace this coming of the Lord with hope and faith believing that the Lord has a special package for us. So that when comes to us at Christmas, our joy will be complete.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, as we await your coming at Christmas; increase our faith in your love and promises. Amen.