Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free.
Today’s Gospel: Lk 1:67-79
“…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.”
Reflection: (The Fourth Thursday of Advent is celebrated in the morning; Christmas Eve follows later in the day.) Let us reflect on this for a moment: “The dawn from on high shall dawn upon us.” What a statement of hope!
These are dark days; not only the shortest days of year, but also filled with the dread of our pandemic, in every part of the globe. We hope for better, as a vaccine to COVID-19 starts finding its way toward each of us. Isn’t that what every Christmas is about? No there’s not usually a vaccine, but the world can seem a dark place. In that darkness comes a great light, a “dawn from on high,” the truth about our very lives. In this last day of Advent, as we make our last minute preparations for whatever version of celebration we’ll be doing, let us keep our eye on the coming dawn.
Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus! Come into the darkest corners of my heart, and shine your light. Allow me to embrace your hope, even in these difficult times. Share with me the wisdom of Joseph and Mary, of Elizabeth and Zechariah, and all of the holy women and men who have shone their own lights for me. I am ready for your birth.