Listen to a simple service of prayer and reflection centred on Luke 1.67-79 for 24 December, Christmas Eve
Reflection on Luke 1.67-79
Today our Advent journey comes to an end. As is often said in films: There is just one more sleep till Christmas! If we have taken our pilgrimage through the last four weeks seriously, we are now at the point of being overcome with joy as we welcome the Christ-child into this world. Today’s reading is not about the birth of Jesus, however, it is about Zechariah’s prophecy. Like Mary’s Song of Praise (the Magnificat), this prophecy is also recited or sung every day in our churches and cathedrals. As the Magnificat is a constant core to the service of Evensong, so each day begins with the Benedictus in the service of Matins.
Zechariah’s great prophecy gives an everlasting form to the words of praise we reflected upon yesterday at John’s circumcision and naming. Zechariah praises God for all that he has done. His words present us with a paean of praise that God is fulfilling all that was spoken by the prophets of old. Then, in the second part of his prophecy, he acknowledges his own son’s place in the greatest of stories, the story of the salvation of humanity through the coming of the one who will give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; the one who will guide our feet into the way of peace.
As we look around us we see so much that is wrong in this world. We see violence, exploitation, oppression and persecution. We see a world that fails to respect the wonders of God’s creation. We see so many who are self-obsessed and avaricious. Zechariah’s prophecy speaks of another world. It speaks of a world in which God has not forgotten or forsaken his covenant with humanity. It speaks of a world where we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness. It speaks of a world where by the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us.
On this Christmas Eve, let us renew our commitment to a life of faithful discipleship. Let us pray that we might play our part in bringing Zechariah’s prophecy to fruition in this troubled and divided world. Let us pray that we might never forget that we are the ones who are now bearing the light of the Christ-child into this world. Let us praise God that he has entrusted us with that responsibility and let us pray that we might never betray that trust!