Dinah's brothers, whose father Jacob loved them less than their brother Joseph. Israel's legacy is our legacy. In Israel's family histories we see reflected our family histories. These aren't just isolated family matters or the unfortunate behavior of a misguided parent here and there. They're the symptoms and tragic consequences of turning away from the Lord.
Advent is more than anticipation and expectation.
It's a time of turning, a time of repentance. A time for prodigal parents to return their hearts to their children. Every year during Advent we, like Zechariah, are given time to turn our hearts to our children. To have our mouths opened and our tongues freed to bless God and, in the same breath, to bless our children. To speak to them directly from our hearts about God's tender mercy toward us and toward them.