Advent Reflections – Day 20 (19TH December 2025)

First reading : Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

The two readings are very similar and they portray the responses we give to God, which is reflected through our faith.

In the first reading, an angel (even though the woman referred to him as a man of God) appeared to a barren woman, he gave her a message as God has sent him. She believed even though she didn’t understand. In the Gospel reading, an angel also appeared to Zechariah and gave him the message as he was instructed by God, but unlike the woman in the first reading, Zechariah questioned him. Could this be doubt or he didn’t understand? One would expect that he shouldn’t have even asked because he was a priest and should know better. This resulted in him being dumb until the promise was fulfilled.

Dear friends, many times, God speaks to us too but we don’t understand and yet we choose to believe because we know He will fulfil His promise. This is faith at work. The whole story about the birth of Christ also portrays this, for so many years, the Israelites awaited the Messiah who had been foretold from the time of Prophet Isaiah and Micah, and when He eventually came, they didn’t recognize him.

The season of Advent gives us another opportunity to build our faith in God. His words may seem unclear, still believe! At the appointed time, it will unfold.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen our faith and draw us closer. We love You and desire to love You more.

Rev Sr Sophie-Marriete DDL