GODLY GOSSIP
Opening Prayer
Take a moment to be still in the presence of God.
Read Luke 1:57–66
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the hottest news item right now?Western 21st-century societies place high value on independence and freedom; fewer and fewer people live close to extended family, and while we might share our news to our “friends” on social media, most of us are not generally much impacted by our neighbors’ lives.
Today’s reading conveys how vastly different things were in first-century Palestine. Elizabeth’s pregnancy was hot news and gave an emotional lift to the whole community (58). His name was a matter for neighbors and relatives (59), and Elizabeth and Zechariah’s intervention and choice was highly unusual (63). Add to the mix Zechariah being struck dumb for almost a year and the child entering the world manifestly filled with the Spirit and you had a situation that captivated the entire community and beyond.
It might seem that Jesus arrived on the scene somewhat quietly, but these people from the nation through whom God had chosen to bless the entire world were buzzing with anticipation. From before he was even conceived, John was preparing the way. First his father, then his mother, his relatives, his neighbors and his countrymen could talk of nothing but what God was up to. This story is still intriguing, history-shaping and worthy of sharing. Are you helping it to spread?
Apply
Who can you share the Good News with today? How will you share it? In conversation? In a Christmas card? Through a gift?
Closing prayer
Lord, fill me with excitement and enthusiasm to talk to my family, friends and neighbors about the meaning of Your birth.
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