Wednesday 21 December 2022

Background

Today's Bible passage is known as the ‘Benedictus’, which means ‘blessed be’ in Latin. It was used as a hymn in the Church from around the 4th century AD. The song is one of three canticles (biblical prayer songs) in the first two chapters of Luke. It follows Mary’s song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and is followed by the prophet Simeon praising God when he held Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:28-32). 

Zechariah had been unable to speak for over nine months, since the birth of his son John had been foretold. On naming his son, filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue freed. Prophecy, divinely inspired revelation, can include ‘forthtelling’ (saying what God is doing) and ‘foretelling’ (saying what God will do in the future). Zechariah’s prophetic song contains both elements.  

The song follows the normal pattern of Jewish blessings – initial praise of God, followed by the reason for the praise. Zechariah spoke of the divine favour being shown to God’s people, of the mighty saviour who would save them from their enemies, of the mercy (forgiveness and compassionate love) of God. Many Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, longed for liberation and for God to send a ‘Messiah’ or Saviour, to set them free. It is not clear whether Zechariah understood fully what this salvation from God would mean. 

While Zechariah prophesied about Jesus, he also spoke of the role his son John would play in God’s divine plan. As ‘prophet of the Most High’, he would go before Jesus to prepare the way for him. I wonder how it felt for Zechariah to see his newborn son and have this insight into the important role he was to play. 

The song ends with beautiful poetic lines about God’s tender mercy breaking upon the people. John’s Gospel uses poetic language to describe John as witness to the true light, and Jesus as the light shining in the darkness, the true light coming into the world (John 1:5-9). Here similar imagery points to Jesus as the one who will bring light to those who sit in darkness. 

To Ponder:

• ‘Blessed be God….’ If you were writing your own ‘Benedictus’, what would it contain? What can you praise God for today?
• Zechariah’s song spoke of what God was doing in Jesus and the light being given to those who sat in darkness before Jesus was even born. It would be about 30 years before Jesus began his public ministry. Can you think of other examples where we are called to believe in the promises of God, long before we have seen their fulfilment?
• What concrete ways can you think of, where Jesus brings light to the world?

Prayer

Jesus, light of the world, shine in the darkness. Help me also to shine your light in the world today, Amen.