A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:57-66
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."
REFLECTION: "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."
The momentous day that changed the world is almost here. Hopefully we are prepared for the coming of Our Lord. The house is ready, the gifts are wrapped, the Bing Crosby movies have been watched and the grandkids are on their way. We have been with Mary and Joseph through their journey and we have spent time with God in confession and sacrifice. Hope, peace, joy and love are now leading us to the manger.
The birth of John the Baptist brought great excitement and happiness to Elizabeth.and Zechariah. "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him." God is preparing mankind for salvation. First came John to prepare the way and then soon the birth of Jesus. What a beautiful and merciful God we have. Cup the hand of baby John and allow him to lead you to Jesus.
God Bless You.
