Please read the passage before the commentary.
This has been a long first chapter of Luke’s gospel. Zechariah, however, serves as bookends for the chapter. He introduced the chapter when he was visited by the angel of Lord in the temple. He did not fare well in this first encounter: he showed a lack of faith at the words of the angel. After nine months of living in the quiet of deafness and of reflecting on what happened since the encounter in the temple, he accepted the message of the angel and named his son John.
The chapter ends with Zechariahs canticle of praise. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He proclaimed God’s mercy as he had experienced this mercy. He could tell us all not to be afraid or fear because he had learned not to be afraid when God has a job for us to do.
We reflect on this as the day before Christmas comes to an end and the presence of the Christ guides us into the way of peace. May God bless you during this season of Christmas.