Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

---

Read

Luke 1:68-79 (NRSV)

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

---

Reflect

Advent, the beginning of the new year in the Christian church’s cycle of life, is a mere ten days away. It seems appropriate to start reflecting on birth—both those of John and Jesus. There is always the expectation of joy and lasting hope when we think about birth, new life. We know it from the birth of our children or grandchildren. We know it from celebrating with people in our churches or in our communities when their children are born.

God wants us to know those same senses of excitement and hope as we prepare for the celebration of God’s entry into the world in Jesus. John’s story is the prequel to Jesus. And, Zechariah’s words in the above passage are to be well received: “By the tender mercy of our God…” we will know light instead of darkness and peace will be our path. Thanks be to God!

---

Pray

Life-giving God, for all that we enjoy through your tender mercies none is as rich and deep as life itself. Teach us to enjoy and rightly share this gift that all may come to know the light that always shines. Help us to remember that you are always with us. Amen.

Go with God.