Scripture: Luke 1:5-7
During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday, we heard Luke’s explanation for writing the Gospel, but now the story begins with an immediate problem. Bible stories rarely have a long introduction, and the story of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, is no different. Now the problem is put on Elizabeth as she is “unable to become pregnant…” Of course, medical science today would point to two potential concerns – the mother AND the father. Maybe Zechariah simply needed to move to boxers. Whatever the case, the stories of God’s redemption never have a simple plot. There is always conflict and concern, problems and potential roadblocks. Elizabeth is a relative of Mary, the one who will soon learn of her role in the divine drama that would play out on the stage of what could only be called a Way Off Broadway Production. Not only does the story appear to be ending before it really gets started, the characters are not the glamours high paid actors that paparazzis follow. It’s a story far from the headlines, yet again, it is where God does some of the best redemptive work. Might I suggest taking a few days off from watching and reading the news (or whatever its called these days), and search with your own senses that quiet backroom productions of a God whose love continues to find an audience with a ragtag cast of characters. Maybe you’ll have a role, or at least a backstage task.
Prayer: I hope to see what it is that you are doing this day, O Lord. If only I am awake to what is happening around me, maybe you’ll invite me onto your stage where redemption is being told. I offer this prayerful request in the name of the gift that would soon be born to Elizabeth’s relative. Amen.
ADVENT BEGINS
THIS SUNDAY
