December 24, 2005

Lk 1:67-79 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his 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 hand 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 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.”
The child is a light to guide us out of darkness. The child is a fulfillment of the promises of old of God that a Saviour would be sent to us. The child, John the Baptist, will prepare the way for the Lord and our salvation. God's compassion and mercy will shine upon us.

The coming of the Lord is near at hand. Tonight the Sisters will begin singing carols at 1130 pm and at midnight celebrate mass. The readings for the midnight mass in the gospel are some of my favorite of all the Gospel readings. A full praising of the Lord and rejoicing is celebrated tonight. I am looking forward to the evening celebration with a quiet peace and joyful anticipation. There is no telling what tommorrow will bring but with God all things are possible. God is my rock and refuge in stormy days and sunny days, my faith and communion with God come first always in my life.