Today’s first reading is from Malachi 3. Malachi prophesies about the Lord’s messenger, “the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.” This prophesy is fulfilled in the person of Jesus. But Malachi also prophesies, “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes.” Jesus told the people that John the Baptist was Elijah, the one who came to prepare the way.
In the Gospel reading from Luke 1, we see the events following the birth of John the Baptist. If you recall, Zechariah, John’s father, was struck mute after the angel announced that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a child. When the time came for John’s circumcision and naming, Zechariah writes, “John is his name,” and his mouth is opened. And Zechariah immediately began blessing God. The people knew that this child would be special.
John came as Jesus’ messenger. His message was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.” Jesus came as God’s messenger. His message was that God is our loving Father, and that He wants all mankind to be saved. You, too, are a messenger. The question is, what message are you sending? Have you bought into the whole “He who dies with the most toys wins” mentality? That’s the message the world wants us to send out for Christmas. But the real message of Christmas is all about Christ Jesus. Let’s remember to send out His message.
Father, we thank you for calling us to be your messengers. Forgive us for those times when the message gets muddled, when we get confused and lost. May we always proclaim the true message of Christ. Amen.
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