FILL YOU WITH JOY AND HOPE
All longed for
this - when the Messiah would come. Now Zechariah knows beyond a doubt that the
day is very near.
The proclamation of
the Gospel fills us with much joy and hope on our daily journey. When the Lord
comes to redeem us He fills us with His Holy Spirit, which is the source of our
joy and hope in the promises God has made. The Holy Spirit gave Zechariah a vision
for his own son, as a prophet and forerunner who would prepare the way for the
coming of the Messiah. All longed for this - when the Messiah would come. Now
Zechariah knows beyond a doubt that the day is very near.
Like Zechariah, the
Holy Spirit wants to give us vision, joy and confidence in the knowledge of
God's merciful love, protection and care, which all come to us through Jesus
Christ. Like John the Baptist we too are called to prepare the way. Life is a
journey and we need to always move towards Christ the Lord. Christ gives us the
life-giving Word and Spirit. He draws all to Himself and show us His love and
mercy.
In the Responsorial
Psalm we acclaim, "Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord" (Ps
89:2). God founded the world and all that is in it with the strength of His arm
and loving power. God's hand is mighty; His Kingdom is built on righteousness
and justice, true love and faithfulness. We rejoice in God's glory and retell
the story every Christmas of His wonderful deeds. God's history is ours as
well. His Spirit is our life and we are His people.
On the feast of the
Incarnation we celebrate with great joy the gracious gift of God in sending His
Son to redeem us!