12/23/2013- Monday of 4th week of Advent - Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; Luke 1:57-66

        Today’s psalmist asks the Lord to guide him in his truth and teach him his paths.  In many ways, that is the journey most of us as Christ’s disciples have tried to follow during the Advent season.  During this holy season of Advent, we are called to be vigilant and pray always.  We are called to seek the Lord to teach us and guide us in our lives, just what the psalmist expresses to us today. 

         The Gospel reading about the birth of John the Baptist describes for us the consequences of Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s preparation for God’s will in their lives. Their journey certainly had some twists and turns, but their preparation and their willingness to listen to God enabled them to not only stand up against peer pressure from friends and relatives, but it also enabled them to speak and act in a way that brought others to recognize the presence of God in their lives.  Their son would later grow up to be the man who directly prepared the way for Jesus and his ministry.

         Today’s readings are quite appropriate, preparing us to celebrate our joyful Christmas Eve celebrations tomorrow.  May the Lord lead us and guide us, opening our hearts as we enter the Christmas season with the birth of Christ into our world.  May this upcoming liturgical season of Christmas help us to learn more about God’s truth and laws.