"John's father Zechariah was filed with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:"
- Luke 1:67-79  (You will need to read 68-79)
 
This canticle, spoken by Zechariah is one of several ancient hymns of the Christian community that can be found in the Gospels. It is traditionally known as the Benedictus. Zechariah raises up his son as a prophet who will go before the LORD and prepare a way for him. The royal road that John proclaims reaches back through time into the hearts of generations of those who seek God.
 
Part of our preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas involves . . .

"John's father Zechariah was filed with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:"
- Luke 1:67-79  (You will need to read 68-79)
 
This canticle, spoken by Zechariah is one of several ancient hymns of the Christian community that can be found in the Gospels. It is traditionally known as the Benedictus. Zechariah raises up his son as a prophet who will go before the LORD and prepare a way for him. The royal road that John proclaims reaches back through time into the hearts of generations of those who seek God.
 
Part of our preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas involves a remembering,(a looking back). What have we done that either does or does not allow us to welcome our God? Our looking back can also be deeper and more communal. We look back and see that our own most poignant longings that we associate with the promises of God are not simply our own. They belong to all God's people; for generations they have been sung and longed for. Our Advent hope is a hope that connects our fragmented church across time and denominational boundaries. The royal road is walked by all of us together.
 
Teach us in watchfulness and prayer
To wait for the appointed hour
And fit us by Thy grace to share
The triumphs of Thy conquering power.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- Allow the commonality of our Advent hope to enter your prayer.