Daily Gospel Reflection for December 24, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Joe Wetterling

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:67-79 - Mass in the Morning

I talked to my son when he was only hours old, even when he was minutes old. Was I simply trying to develop his auditory capacity? No, of course not. That never crossed my mind, even if it was a happy side effect. Was I expecting him to understand me? No, of course not, at least I didn’t expect him to understand the words themselves. Still, I talked to my newborn son. I told him how much I love him, and that God loves him. I told him about the wonderful things that are waiting when he grows up. I told him about my dreams for him.

I don’t think I was blessed with the gift of prophecy, like Zechariah in this moment, but I understand why he said all this to his little son, who was too small to understand it. My son, and all of us, are called to do a bit of John’s task: “to give…knowledge of salvation”, to spread the Kingdom of God, to tell the world that Christ has come to forgive their sins. That Christ-child is the tender mercy of our God.

The talk is, as well. The chance to hold my son, to tell him all those things – and to see some of them come true, year by year – that is the tender mercy of our God. Our children go into the world because of God’s mercy, because He gifts to us those children through a share in His amazing creative power. He breathed life into Zechariah’s son and mine. He breathed life into you and yours, and every Christmas we spend together – however many or few – is from that same tender mercy of God. Let us all enter Christmas in Zechariah’s spirit and tell of the love and mercy of our God.

Ponder:

Who needs to hear words of love and mercy from God in this time of year? Where can I help spread God's Word and His mercy in someone's life?

Pray:

Thank You Lord for sending Your Child for the salvation of us and our children. Help us to share Your love and mercy with our world throughout this Christmas season.