The Dawn from on High Breaks upon Us
Luke 1:67-79
The Advent journey is relatively short -- less than four weeks from the First Sunday of Advent to Christmas Day. But those of us who make the journey with intention notice the different ways we have been touched by waiting and looking for signs of the awaited Birth.
On Christmas Eve, many of us are "checking our lists twice," making sure we haven't overlooked anything. For me, it most always means at least one more trip to the grocery for some needed ingredient I have overlooked. For some of us, we check the list one more time to confirm travel plans, begin prep for meals, make sure the last-minute gifts are wrapped, and confirm the times of the Christmas Eve service we will attend. All of that is important.
But there are other considerations, as well. Can I find a bit of time and solitary space in the next 48 hours to ponder this Birth? How has the season of Advent shaped me?
Can I ask God for a genuine spirit of celebration, an authentic joy that is more than mouthing the words of a carol?
If I am sharing the day with others, how might I step into the day in a way that brings life to those with whom I celebrate Christmas?
What attitude or spirit would I pray for myself and others?
The Gospel reading today is the Canticle of Zechariah, known as the Benedictus. Zechariah is the father of John and has been voiceless throughout the birth story because he could not believe that he and Elizabeth could have a child at their age. When he is given back his voice, he sings a glorious song, not about himself and his perspective on God's work, but about his son. Zechariah's song announces that the time of waiting is almost over, that God ushers in a new day. His song is full of brilliant images and poignant metaphors. For centuries, this beautiful song has found its place in the Church as the closing to the daily morning office of prayer.
Blessed be the Lord,
The God of Israel;
He has come to His people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,
Born of the house of His servant David.
Through His holy 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 hands 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 Lord
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.
For Reflection:
** Choose a line, an image, or a phrase from the Benedictus for your prayer. Linger with it. Let it roll around in your heart for a few minutes. Don't be too anxious to analyze what it means so you have get some insight from it. Just let it live within you for a few minutes. Then, ask God to help you hear what invitation God might be extending to you?
** Again today, notice the verbs in the Benedictus. Write them down. Pray with them. As you look at your list, you'll see what Zechariah proclaims about God's work in the world. How much of that work do you see in your own world?
No comments:
Post a Comment