Extract
Zechariah took his son, John the Baptist, to the temple and praised God saying, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David.” (Luke 1:68-69)
Thought
The birth of a child, God’s creation, is a good reason for a great celebration. The birth of the Prophet John the Baptist, the forerunner to Jesus, was an extra special reason for Zachariah and Elizabeth to celebrate.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, in anticipation of our Christmas celebration of your birthday, may people throughout the world find your special peace in their hearts, home and country, and a yearning to celebrate with You.
Prayer: Benedictus (Zachariah)
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people;
and has raised up a mighty salvation for us,
in the house of his servant David;
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy Prophets,
which have been since the world began;
that we should be saved from our enemies,
and from the hands of all that hate us;
to perform the mercy promised to our forefathers,
and to remember his holy Covenant;
to perform the oath which he swore to our forefather Abraham,
that he would give us;
that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear;
in holiness and righteousness before him,
all the days of our life.
And thou, Child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Most High,
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
to give knowledge of salvation to his people,
for the remission of their sins,
through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us;
to give light to them that sit in darkness,
and in the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
