Friday 23 December

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25; Luke 1:57-66

O Come Emmanuel

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child. They called him John. The neighbours and relations gathered to celebrate the child. Zechariah, who has been mute, speaks again and immediately begins to praise God for what is happening. Those gathered are filled with wonder and awe. They have a sense that the hand of the Lord is upon John. We know John as the one who prepares the way for Emmanuel, God with us.