As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after this father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. 

These last days before Christmas, our Church gives us a beautiful reminder of the story surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. It is good to ponder these events and consider how these ordinary people were used by the Lord to bring salvation to the world. 

Today’s focus on Elizabeth and Zechariah’s naming of John is a good example. The courage of Elizabeth to speak up against the wishes of those trying to name their son in the traditional way shows that she understood that the Lord had made clear what they were to name this child, and she would follow what the Lord desired over the approval of her relatives and friends. 

And Zechariah is an even more powerful witness to what God can do. He moved from a doubter to a believer in the nine months or more that he had to deal with his imposed silence. The humility he must have learned and the apparent deepening of his relationship with the Lord is evident in his confirmation of Elizabeth’s words. When he shows himself faithful at this most important time, his voice is restored! And what is the first thing he does? Not speak to Elizabeth or those around him. He didn’t say, “Wow! Can you believe all this?” He first praised God! He used his restored voice to bless the Lord and give thanksgiving to the One who brought about the miracle. Wouldn’t you love to have a conversation with him and ask what this whole experience must have been like? 

So, how do we take what we’ve read and apply it to ourselves at this time and place. Maybe we can adopt the confidence that Elizabeth and Zechariah show today. Maybe we can let the first words on our lips each day be praises to our God. Maybe we can create a habit of trust that His will for us is worth our fiat. As we approach these last days before His birth, let’s make sure that our hearts are open to His coming. 

Reflection Questions: Take a moment to read the Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79) and pray through the praises he lifts to the Lord. What is the Lord bringing to your heart as you read these words? How do these words remind you of our journey through Advent?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to praise you like Zechariah! Help me to trust you like Elizabeth? We are almost to the day where we celebrate again your coming as a babe in the manger. Help me to see you with new eyes and give me the words to speak that would help others know the wonder of Your love. Amen.