Opening Prayer

In the stillness of this moment, I come with an open heart and mind, ready to receive your peace and rest in the presence of your love.

Scripture

Luke 1:57-66

 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.

Reflection

The circumcision of John the Baptist was an unusual event for the local community, as Elizabeth and Zechariah were not expected to have children.  What must they have thought? A baby at her age? Zechariah was speechless, but now he was speaking. There was a sense of wonder and awe at the blessings of God in their lives. Sharing with others helped them strengthen and deepen their faith. I used to faithfully go to a prayer group in our local retreat centre led by a Jesuit priest. On retiring, he suggested nothing was stopping us from starting our own groups in our parishes. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, and along with another sister, we led numerous courses on faith development, which hadn’t been attempted before in the parish. We go together to God – our faith is not lived in isolation but within our community. God requires us to have the freedom to break from old ways and try something new. For John he became John the Baptist, and his mission was to prepare the way for the Lord. What about us – who will we turn out to be? We, too, are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus this Christmas. Can we, through kind words, show those close to us that we care – by spending time with them, helping to meet their needs, and offering to listen when they have problems?

Reflection Prayer

Lord, let your light shine within me and guide me beyond what feels safe or familiar.
Give me the courage to reach out and be close to others as they are.
Help me to bring warmth to those who are lonely, and prepare my heart to welcome you this Christmas.

Concluding Prayer   

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.