Micah 5:1-4. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved – Psalm 79(80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19. Hebrews 10:5-10. Luke 1:39-44.

As we come to another year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a world beset by environmental and economic crises, it can be hard to find something to hope for, a place where we can find solace.Today’s Gospel reminds us of the good news of Christ’s birth, and the promises from God that are fulfilled with it.It may be hard to see it sometimes, and we might feel despondent, and yet there remains a light of dawn that shines into the darkness of our present times. We pray and seek that comfort today, as we anticipate Christmas next week.