Hope in the face of a child, reflecting on Zechariah’s Song

When John the Baptist was born, Zechariah sang:

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.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 by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:68-79).

God there are moments when we dare to hope–

as we attend a wedding and watch on as friends begin a new life together;

when we are surprised by new opportunities;

when onto us a child is born.

We hold on to the precious potentiality and wonder what will become of it.

Zechariah saw your angel and heard the news and recoiled because hope hurt too much,

But you were at work–restoring all things.

John came kicking and screaming, the voice that would cry out–

Prophet of the most high who would proclaim your Redemption.

We too hold on to Hope knowing that this world is not as it should

We wait–hope, doubt panic, trust–in your return and long for your second Advent,

even as we remember your Incarnation.

Thank you Jesus our anchor and firm Hope

Amen