The Rosary Dad

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:67-79 (RSV-2CE)

“And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people,
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies,
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to perform the mercy promised to our fathers,
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath which he swore to our father Abraham,
to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
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
in the forgiveness of their sins,
through the tender mercy of our God,
when the day shall dawn upon us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’”

Reflection

On the ninth and final day of Simbang Gabi, we reflect on Zechariah’s canticle, a powerful song of praise and prophecy inspired by the Holy Spirit. Zechariah proclaims the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, celebrating the coming of salvation through Jesus. He also speaks of the mission of his son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord by proclaiming repentance and forgiveness.

This canticle invites us to celebrate God’s faithfulness and mercy. It reminds us that the light of Christ has come to dispel darkness and guide us into the way of peace. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are called to recognize the profound gift of salvation and to share this light with others.

As Advent comes to a close, let us give thanks for God’s tender mercy and prepare our hearts to welcome the dawn of His salvation in Jesus Christ. May we, like Zechariah, be filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaiming His goodness and living in the light of His love.

Reflection Question:
How can I proclaim God’s light and love to others as we celebrate the birth of Jesus?