From Doubt to Praise!

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1: 67-79

Today’s Gospel highlights Zechariah transitioning from doubt to praise. 

We know that Zechariah was punished with muteness for doubting God’s plan. Surprisingly, the hard lesson that he learnt did not lead him to bitterness, grudge, or hatred, but to change and acceptance. Indeed, there was a problem in his approach, but when he was given a second chance, he course-corrected himself.

Hence, what is more surprising about Zechariah after a brief period of his punishment is what he does not do. This is why we find Zechariah singing God’s praise immediately after his ‘mouth was opened and his tongue freed.’ What follows is a testimony to Zechariah’s understanding of God’s will. Thus, the song that comes after his silence becomes the best.

More importantly, the song of Zechariah, which we call Benedictus, is not only evidence of his conversion but also of his deeper understanding of God’s will. The song reveals that it is not just about him anymore. Instead, he now looks at God’s fidelity to Israel, His enduring mercy, and His grand plan of salvation for the world. In sum, what begins as a personal note of praise concludes by acknowledging God’s goodness towards Israel.

Zechariah’s conversion is amazing in the way it recognizes God’s will for Israel and humanity, and therefore it is not about him or his son anymore. Zechariah helps us with the right attitude to celebrate Christmas. At Christmas, we do not just celebrate the birth of Christ, but God’s faithfulness, humility, and love. Zechariah teaches us that Christmas is a time we cease to look at ourselves but are amazed at what God is doing for us. 

If we can transcend our self-centeredness, God’s abundant love for us and the impetus it gives us to extend the same to others will become visible and meaningful. 

Let us pray that our conversion may imitate Zechariah’s so that we share God’s love with others.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar