In the tender compassion of our God

ICEL (the International Committee on English in the Liturgy) – the people responsible for the rendition of liturgical texts into English - has been criticized much over the decades.

But ICEL does sometimes have its moments: when some of what it has rendered into English may be found to possess a beauty and grace that is precious and rare in this age of quasi-literacy.

In the last two verses of today’s Gospel (Luke 1:67-79), the conclusion of Zechariah’s canticle the Benedictus, we have such a moment.

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high
shall break upon us,
to shine
on those who dwell
in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet
into the way of peace.

Very special words to repeat and to remember on this day and this night before Christmas.