As we draw closer to Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, we can feel the manifestation of the power of God around us. We feel this power of God in everything, including in the liturgy and in the readings of today. Malachi in the first reading of today speaks of God sending Elijah the prophet to prepare a way for the coming of the Son of Man. The Gospel speaks of the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus in fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi—a promise which only God can accomplish. The manifestation of this power of God is also very evident in the unusual circumstance surrounding the birth of John the Baptist.
John the Baptist, like Samuel and Sampson, was conceived and born by elderly upright parents—Zechariah and Elizabeth. They had passed the age of child bearing but not in the sight of God with whom all things are possible (Mt 19: 26). When God says yes, no one can say no. He who is mighty always does great things for those who love himas shown in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
The angel in the Gospel of Luke today had earlier announced the birth of John the Baptist to his Father Zechariah while he was performing his priestly ministry in the temple. The angel gave the name of the child to be born as John, a name which means ‘God is gracious’. He also promised that the Holy Spirit will be with him. And out of fear and frailty, Zechariah doubted the possibility of the promise because of his age and that of his wife. But to demonstrate the power of God which is beyond all telling, the angel left him speechless until the promise was fulfilled. There is no doubt that we can see ourselves in the likes of Zechariah and Elizabeth especially in difficult situations. In such situations, what do we do? Do we despair? Do we lose faith and doubt God? We should never forget that God works in mysterious ways to calm every situation and prove his love to us. He is the only person who knows the best answer to every situation in our lives.
The power of God can do infinitely more than we can ever imagine. This is because when the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son as God had promised. What a miracle! The barren woman became the mother of a great child and the joy could hold no bounds as it was shared by her neighbours, friends and relatives. This is how everything turns around for those who put their confidence in God. Therefore, when you are faced with challenges in life, do not lose hope. Remember Zechariah and Elizabeth. Even when people criticize you, judge you and laugh at you, do not lose hope. Always remember that the power of the Most High can change a situation when we least expected it as we have witnessed in the childless challenging life of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The power of God often goes for the rejected and neglected stone to make it the cornerstone.
May this power be alive in you and your family now and forever. Amen. Peace be with you and Merry Christmas.
[Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Psalm 24(25): 4-5, 8-9, 10, 14, Luke 1:57:66]
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