Zechariah was overjoyed when he gazed at his infant son John. This was partly because he finally had a son after many years of childlessness, but also because he understood John's role in the world. He would be the herald of the messianic age and the coming of Jesus.

Zechariah's song of praise and blessing was about God - God's compassion or 'tender mercy' - and God's faithfulness to the promises of the covenant. Their days of fear were over - now they could worship God freely.

John would help to bring the light down from heaven to illuminate those caught in the darkness of our world. He would also guide people into the way of peace. They waited many centuries for this, and the day finally arrived.

Not everything happens when we expect or want it. God does not disappoint us or let us down, but faithfulness and patience are required on our part.

Learning to wait with hope and faith is one of the most rewarding spiritual skills. We walk alongside our brother John whenever we prepare the way for the Lord by word, thought, and deed. John is not just some figure in the distant past, but a companion in our faith journey. Let us all be heralds of the light.