Tuesday, December 23, 2014 Luke 1: 57-66
Kate Pennington
As I reflect on the story of John’s birth, I can only
imagine the strong emotions that Elizabeth, Zechariah, and their community must
have felt at his birth. I would guess there were tears of joy, shouts of
celebration, and possibly anxiety and fear of the mystery of God. John’s birth appears
to be nothing short of a miracle. For his parents were old - so much so that
Zechariah had trouble believing the angel of the Lord when he was told that
Elizabeth would bear a son.
Luke 1:65-66 describes how the news of John’s birth and of Zechariah’s
praise were “talked about through the whole countryside of Judea. All who heard
them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’” As a parent,
I have asked myself that same question as I watch Banks, Reed, and Anne Wesley
grow and develop. What will they become? What choices will they make in their
life? With the birth of each child, I have felt a surge of gratitude, joy, and
renewed hope. I would guess that God
looks at each one of us with that same level of wonder, excitement, and
hope. What does God want us to become?
What choices is God encouraging us to make so that we live out the Word? Are we
using our talents and resources to glorify God? Are we taking the time to be
quiet and listen for God’s direction? Would a stranger be able to tell that
each of us is a child of God?
As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let us take
a minute to pause and sift through the overwhelming emotions of joy,
anticipation, anxiety, and even pain that this season can bring. Help us
remember that God has great expectation for what each of us will become.
Prayer: Lord, you are the giver of life. As we rejoice in
the birth of a new baby or mourn the loss of someone we love, remind us that
each day is an opportunity to become one who reflects your light. Give us the
courage to become a people whose words and actions demonstrate your love. Amen.
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