Satide, Disemba 24, 2022
Dei for Advent wey no be Sunday – Mass for Morning
Readings for Morning Mass
Listen for English
Zechariah wey be im papa, wey Holy Spirit don fill, prophesy, e talk say:
“Make praise dey go to the Lord, the God of Israel; because E don come meet Im people and set dem free…” Luke 1:67–68
Today, our story about the birth of Saint John the Baptist end with the song of praise wey Zechariah talk after im tongue don loose because of the change wey happen for im faith. Before, e doubt wetin Archangel Gabriel tell am, but later e believe and follow the command wey the Archangel give am to name im first son “John.” As we see for yesterday reflection, Zechariah na model and example for people wey no get enough faith, wey don suffer the consequences of that lack of faith, and wey don change because of wetin dem suffer.
Today, we see even clearer picture of wetin dey happen when we change. No matter how much we don doubt before, no matter how far we don turn from God, when we turn back to Am with all our heart, we fit get hope say we go experience the same thing wey Zechariah experience. First, we see say “Holy Spirit fill” Zechariah. And because of this gift of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah “prophesy.” These two things wey God show us get deep meaning.
As we dey prepare to celebrate the Birth of Christ tomorrow, wey be Christmas Day, God dey also call us to allow “Holy Spirit fill us,” so that we too fit serve as messengers wey dey prophesy for the Lord. Even though Christmas centre on the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Christ Jesus our Lord, the Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Holy Trinity) get role wey important just as much for this glorious event, both that time and today. Remember say na through the Holy Spirit wey cover Mama Mary she conceive the Christ Child. For today Gospel, na the Holy Spirit make Zechariah fit proclaim how great God action be, as E send John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Am. Today, na the Holy Spirit must fill our lives so that we go fit proclaim the Truth of Christmas.
For this our time, Christmas don turn to celebration wey no too concern God for many parts of the world. Na only few people dey take time for Christmas to truly pray and worship God for everything wey E don do. Na only few people dey continue to proclaim that glorious message of the Incarnation to family and friends during this most solemn celebration. What of you? You fit be true “prophet” of God Most High for this Christmas? Holy Spirit don cover you and fill you with the grace wey you need to show other people this glorious reason why we dey celebrate?
Today, think deeply about the role wey Holy Spirit dey play for your life. Invite Holy Spirit to fill you, inspire you, strengthen you, and give you the wisdom wey you need to be person wey go speak about the glorious gift of the birth of the Saviour of the World this Christmas. No other gift wey you fit give other people fit important pass this message of truth and love.
Holy Spirit, I give You my life, and I invite You make You come to me, cover me with Your shadow and fill me with Your divine presence. As You dey fill me, give me the wisdom wey I need to talk about Your greatness and to be instrument wey go draw other people enter the glorious celebration of the birth of the Saviour of the World. Come, Holy Spirit, fill me, take over all of me and use me for Your glory. Jesus, na You I trust.
See our resources for Advent and Christmas!
Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
As tradition be, dem dey pray di Saint Andrew Christmas Novena prayer wey dey below 15 times every day from November 30, di Feast of Saint Andrew, reach Christmas Eve.
More Reflections on the Gospel
Reflection Dem about God im Mercy
Main picture for up: Simeon Song of Praise wey Arent de Gelder paint, through Wikimedia Commons
