The Lord God says this: "Look, I am going to send My messenger to prepare a way before Me." (Mal 3:1) It was traditionally believed to be Elijah who would return to pave the way for the coming of the Messiah. This Elijah would turn people's hearts to reconciliation and repentance. The people were longing for the Messiah's coming. In times of waiting, we do know that God is faithful, that God keeps His promises, even if things do not happen the way we expect them to.

The birth of John the Baptist is a demonstration of this faithful moment laden with divine significance and prophetic fulfillment, a moment which invites us to contemplate the interplay of God's mercy, our human response, and the unfolding of salvation history. John is the Elijah who is to come. He heralds Christ. He prepares the way for Him. John is the sign that God is faithful and He keeps His promises.

As we prepare for the birth of Christ, let us ask and reflect in ourselves this question, "How has God been faithful to me throughout my life? How has God kept His promises to me? And how have I been faithful to God in return? Have I also kept my promises to God?"