A Prophet Is Born – Read Luke 1:57-80
Contemplation
The big day has come for Zechariah and Elizabeth. A beautiful boy is born when everyone thought it would never happen – their prayers answered, just as Gabriel said. The day comes for the ceremony where the baby will officially get his name. The house is bustling with people, with all the family and friends coming from all over for the happy occasion. Elizabeth recovering from the birth and Zechariah motioning to everyone to get ready. I can smell a feast being prepared.
The bossy relatives have everything decided. “Let’s call him Zechariah, after his father.” Elizabeth remembers what Gabriel told Zechariah. “No, we will call him John.” No-one pays any attention – she’s just a woman. The bossy family point and make signs to Zechariah. Elizabeth and Zechariah are frustrated – he can’t speak, but he’s not deaf! Zechariah can’t stand it any more and gets a writing pad. “His name is John,” he writes. Immediately, he can speak again and listen to what he says! A wonderful prophecy about the little boy in his arms and the One he will introduce to the world.
Wander round a bit and talk to the people there: Elizabeth, Zechariah, the bossy relatives.
What do I feel, hear?
Have I had something wonderful to say when no-one listened?
Where is God for me in the scene?