A WORD FOR TODAY 23 DECEMBER 2019

A WORD FOR TODAY

WHAT GOD HAS SAID MUST SURELY COME TO PASS

In the gospel reading of today we are presented with the story of the birth of John the Baptist by Elizabeth and how his father Zechariah regained his power of speech after he was named John. It is one of the passages in the Scriptures that shows us the manifestation of God's power and love.

God made a promise to Zechariah on the day of his service in the temple as a priest, that He and his wife Elizabeth were going to bear a son, but he doubted and the angel now told him that he will never speak again until the child is born. This came to fulfilment and God made manifest his glory and power in their lives. When the angel spoke to Zechariah he never believed by his human calculation that such could happen, but with God all things are possible and when it indeed happened as the angel has said, he praised God.

When it was time to give a name to the child, the people expected him to be called Zechariah Jr., but Elizabeth insisted that he will be called John and when Zechariah was asked what he will be called, he confirmed what Elizabeth said and his power of speech was restored. The name John simply means 'God is gracious' Yes, God is gracious to Zechariah and Elizabeth, but more importantly through the life and ministry of John the graciousness of God will be shown to all those who come to encounter God through him.

The core message of this reflection is that we should believe in God with our whole heart for He is ever faithful and can never fail. Whatever He says He will do, that He must surely do. Even when His promise is delayed in coming, do not panic or abandon your faith, hold unto Him firmly and wait upon Him with perseverance for He will never fail and at the appointed time, what He has promised will come to fulfilment.

The birth of John brought joy to his family and to those who heard the Good News. The hand of the Lord was with him because he has a mission to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah as we see in the first reading of today. We all have been given a mission to fulfil in this life and if we anchor ourselves in God we will definitely carry out our task well. Let your presence bring joy to those who come around you. May they come to believe in God through your good works.

Are you waiting upon the Lord for anything? Do not doubt in your heart as you ask Him. Believe that you will receive it and then wait upon Him with faith for He must surely answer you. His will must be done and He will never fail to glorify His name through the things He will do for us in this life. God will be gracious and merciful to you and His plan for your life will definitely come to fulfilment at the appointed time.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a blessed new week. May God be gracious to you and may He answer you when you call upon Him. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: Malachi 3:1-4;4:5-6/Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14/Luke 1:57-66

Watch-Word: What then will this child be, for the hand of the Lord was with Him.

Never underestimate what the Lord can do. Just have faith in Him and He will fulfil His promise to you in due time.

(Monday of the fourth Week of Advent, Year A)