Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday (morning), special day of Advent, December 24, 2025

Delivered by Vallerie Koh from Saint Edmund Church of Limbang in the Diocese of Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. 2 Samuel 7: 1-5.8b-12.16; Rs psalm 89: 2-3.4-5.27.29; Luke 1: 67-79.A VISIT LIKE ABRIGHT DAWN Our reflectionon the morning of December 24 is themed A Visit Like a Bright Dawn. Onenight, a father and his son had a serious argument before going to sleep. Theydisagreed about the family business they were running together. They did notmake peace and went to bed feeling upset. The son thought his father’s ideaswere old-fashioned, so he did not take the argument seriously. For thefather, however, the harsh words hurt him deeply. He could not sleep at all. Nomatter how he lay down, he could not find peace. He got up, sat down, andwalked around the room, but still, he could not sleep. He only wished the nightwould end quickly. When morning came with its bright light, he wanted to seehis son, smile at him, say sorry, and hug him warmly. The fatherwanted to let go of his anger and resentment. His prayer was that the darknight would pass quickly so that he could make peace with his son in themorning. This experience is something we all can understand. Especially as weprepare to celebrate Christmas, many of us long to be visited by the brightdawn, the source of life—God Himself. Zechariah sings a song of praise, sayingthat God comes to visit His people. God frees them from their enemies, removesthe darkness, and brings light to those who are waiting for salvation. On the morningof December 24, the rising sun reminds us that its light shines brightly sothat we and our families may stay joyful throughout the day. Even though thesun sets in the evening and night comes, the light of Jesus Christ does notfade. He remains the bright dawn, and that night we celebrate His birth. In Zechariah’ssong, the dawn comes from above and shines on those who live in darkness andfear. We must admit that some members of the Church have stayed away from thislight for a long time and are only now ready to receive it. All of us—those whoare ready and those who are still preparing—let us rejoice as we welcome theBright Dawn who comes to visit us. Let us pray. In the name of the Father…O God, help us prepare our hearts well for the celebration of Christmastonight.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in thebeginning, it’s now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.In the name of the Father…