Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David,

On this most holy Christmas Eve, Zechariah’s voice returns, and his voice becomes a song of praise: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.”

This hymn of praise, known as the Benedictus, comes after months of silence. Zechariah, rendered mute, now writes John’s name in obedience, and his speech is miraculously restored. His first words are a hymn of praise, a prophecy that proclaims the faithfulness of God.

The Benedictus is a hymn to God’s nearness—a God who remembers the covenant, who visits, redeems, rescues, and guides. Zecheriah speaks as one who has seen the quiet breaking of dawn after a long night: “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us.” (Luke 1:78) This dawn is Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.

His voice, once silent, is now filled with praise, wonder and deep recognition that God has come close. Zechariah reminds us that God is faithful, and God’s promise is not abstract but deeply personal. Even in silence or delay, God draws near. Even in doubt, longing or uncertainty, God continues to write us into the story.

Zechariah proclaims that the one who is coming will “give light to those who sit in darkness.” (Luke 1:79) This is the deepest promise of Christmas: not that pain or struggle disappears, but that we are never alone in it. The God who comes in Jesus enters our silence, walks through our shadows, and brings light that no darkness can overcome.

So, on this Christmas Eve, let us echo Zechariah’s praise. Let us welcome the God who is near. Let us allow the dawn of Christ to rise within us so that we, too, might become bearers of light, witnesses of mercy, and proclaimers of hope.

God is with us. And that changes everything.