As we begin the fourth week of Advent, a time when we are rhythmically moving towards celebrating Christ's birth, we encounter the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth as they welcome the birth of their son, John. Their story is not merely about the miraculous birth of their child; it encapsulates profound lessons about preparation, trust, divine timing, the power of voice, and the importance of community as support and witnesses to God’s grace.

Both readings resonate deeply with our contemporary experiences because they reveal insights about what it means to become harbingers of change. The first reading calls us to prepare and refine ourselves, not just through outward actions but through inward readiness. The Gospel reminds us to reclaim our voices, nurture our faith rather than our doubt, and consider a sense of belonging that can come about by the very act of communal discernment.

As we prepare to welcome this season of hope and joy, let us embrace the transformative relationship with the divine and the beauty in God's plan and purpose for our lives. Let us embrace the transformative power of our names, purpose, stories, and voices. The readings invite us to evaluate our lives, cleanse our hearts, find grace in sharing our stories, speak our truth, and reflect on our values, especially those that point toward God.

As we approach Christmas, the readings today challenge us to engage actively in the spirit of the season, embrace the unknown, and awaken our voices. Maybe we could spend a few minutes thinking about places in our lives where we have been muted and our tongues tied. Could our own muteness stem from societal expectations, doubts, or fears? Maybe we could also spend a few minutes celebrating our identities in Christ and preparing our hearts to receive the profound joy that this season brings.

Faithful God, help us open our hearts to the lessons of Advent, inviting grace and preparation for the boundless joy that lies ahead, in the name of Jesus Christ, who is born in our lives every day, Amen.