Tuesday 20 December 2022

Background

There are only a few days left until Christmas and in churches across the world, Christians are preparing to celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth. However, today our reading tells the story of another miracle baby, who would be significant in Jesus’ life. The narrative picks up a story first introduced in Luke 1:5-25. Zechariah was an elderly priest, whose wife Elizabeth was unable to bear children. While serving as a priest in the temple, Zechariah had an encounter with an angel who announced the fulfilment of his prayers; his wife Elizabeth was to have a son and they were to name him John. He would be great in the sight of the Lord and would turn many people of Israel to the Lord their God. Unable to believe the words of the angel, Zechariah was struck mute, unable to speak, until the fulfilment of these promises. 

In the reading today, we learn how Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Sons were often named after their grandparents or other relatives; here the onlookers assumed that he would be named after his father. However, Elizabeth was insistent that he would be called John. Zechariah confirmed on a tablet that he was indeed to be named John (a name which means ‘God is gracious.’). At the naming of his son, Zechariah was finally able to speak again after nine long months and he praised God. 

This unusual naming of the child, following an unlikely pregnancy and the instantaneous recovery of Zechariah, produced fear in those who witnessed it. In Luke’s Gospel, fear is often an involuntary response to divine activity (see for example the response to Jesus raising a man to life at 7:16 and the healing of a demon possessed man in 8:37).  As they talked widely about the events which had taken place, Luke writes, "all who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’" (v. 66) We know the miracle baby born to Zechariah and Elizabeth as John the Baptist.

To Ponder:

• When both Elizabeth and then Zechariah named their son John, the onlookers were amazed. Can you think of a time when you have been surprised by what God has done? This might be an event in your own life or that you have heard about from someone else.
• Those who witnessed the miracle of John’s birth and Zechariah’s healing talked widely and pondered the events. Has talking with others ever helped you understand what God is doing?

PrayerGod of surprises, help me to see where you are at work, in unexpected places and unexpected people. Amen.