Read Luke 1.57-68
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The collect for this Second Sunday in Advent reads as follows: Merciful God, who sent your messengers
the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
This second Sunday in the season of Advent turns our attention to the role of the prophets in preparing the way for the coming Messiah. The background of this passage from Luke's gospel has Zechariah, a priest in the Temple and the husband of Mary's cousin Elizabeth, stricken dumb by the angel Gabriel for refusing to believe that God would bring a child to them in their old age (Luke 1.18-23). It's clear in this later part of the story that Zechariah and Elizabeth have had some conversation about the boy and his identity, for it's Elizabeth who first proposes the name John for their son.
When Zechariah confirms Elizabeth's choice by writing "His name is John" on a tablet, his tongue is loosed
and he is able to speak - his doubt has given way to faith, and he is free to proclaim the goodness of God's
promises. Zechariah's prophecy in verses 68 and following has become known in the Church as the "Benedictus", and is the usual gospel canticle recited at Morning Prayer.
The arrival of John the Baptist on the scene tells us the time is drawing near. Like the prophets of the Old
Testament (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the rest), John understands his role to be a voice which calls people back to
the Word of God, and the ways of God. John's ministry is to point to Jesus, the fulfillment of all the longings
of Israel and all the promises of God.
Today, rejoice in the truth that God always keeps His promises. Thank the Father, in your prayer time, for choosing to send His Son to redeem us and all the world - not because of our deserving, but because of His mercy.
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