# The Christmas novena: day eight
*2008-12-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the eighth day of the Christmas novena, focusing on the birth of St. John the Baptist and the prophecy of Zechariah.

## The Birth of John the Baptist

Today we continue our Christmas novena on December 22nd. We reflect on the birth of John the Baptist and the Canticle of Zechariah. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning home. When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and her neighbors and relations shared in her joy, recognizing that the Lord had lavished her with faithful love.

## The Canticle of Zechariah

Upon the birth of his son, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 'Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people. He has set them free. He has established for us a saving power in the house of the servant of David, just as he proclaimed by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times.' Zechariah praised God because the rising sun has come from on high to visit us, giving light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, and guiding our feet into the way of peace.

## A Prayer for Expectation

Our Lord and God, the true light, you have expressed the depth of the heart. Your saving word came down from heaven into the uncontained womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In such a marvelous way, we ask that we, your servants, may await His glorious birth with joyful hearts through Christ our Lord.

*As we await the birth of Christ, we join in the joy of Zechariah, recognizing that the true light has come to guide our feet into the way of peace.*