12/19/2014 Friday of the 3rd week of Advent – Psalm 71: 3-6, 16-17 , Luke 1:5-25

        Today's readings give us a lot to think about as we continue our preparations during this Advent season with Christmas less than a week away.  The psalmist prays today, “Lord, be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.”  We can probably think of some things we need to be rescued from in our lives.  We can probably think of things from which we need to seek safety.  The Lord is supposed to be our rock and our refuge, but with the busy holiday season upon us, with shopping and parties and travel and work, we might not be able to feel the stillness and solitude that we seek in a relationship with God.  Advent is supposed to bring a message of hope and renewal, but that may seem very far from the reality of our lives.

        This brings us to the Gospel today.  Zechariah has an encounter with the Angel as he hears about the coming birth of his son, John the Baptist. Elizabeth rejoices.  She who was barren for so many years, she who suffered and grieved over not being able to bear a child - she is now filled with joy.   In his imposed silence, Zechariah was able to ponder his situation.  What do we need to ponder in our own lives?  And like the barrenness that Elizabeth experienced, is there any barrenness in our life of faith that is in need of God's redemption and grace?

          We enter the final week of Advent in our preparation for Jesus' birth into our world.  Let us pray that our hearts be filled with joy and gladness, that we may find refuge in the Lord and hear his voice crying out to prepare a way from him to enter our lives.