December 24, Friday Advent Weekday

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. — Psalm 89:2

Mass reading: Morning: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16 / Luke 1:67-79

God’s Intervention 

Both readings today speak of God’s intervention to protect His people. Samuel offers a young lamb on the altar, so that the Israelites can overcome the Philistines; and Zechariah prophesies that his son, the Baptist, will bring on stage the new lamb, Jesus, to be sacrificed so that the mercy of God will “shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow.” 

The powers of darkness and light continue to struggle down to our own day, and even within our own hearts. If we make a home for Jesus in our hearts His presence within us will strengthen us as we journey through the sometimes dark valleys of our lives. Maranatha — come, Lord Jesus. 

Prayer: Lamb of God, take away our sins, protect us from the wiles of Satan.