Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 23, 2023

Date:   Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent

 Scripture Text:  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 his 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 Today’s gospel reading from Luke recounts the birth and subsequent naming of John the Baptist. John is born, as we will recall, to elderly parents thought to be beyond the childbearing age. But we, unlike the friends of the couple, know of the LORD’s hand in this birth. He is called John literally meaning “God is gracious and compassionate.” Today’s gospel reminds us of the LORD’s power and presence at work in our lives and our world, often in mysterious ways.

When Zechariah agrees that the child is to be called John, his muteness left him. In following the instruction of Gabriel after the child’s birth, Zechariah proved his faith in the Angel’s message and the LORD’s compassionate power at work in the couple’s lives.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Do I recognize the LORD’s power and presence at work in my life daily? Do I take time to humbly thank the LORD for being with me and for loving me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we gather this day to praise You for all You are: creator, redeemer, sanctifier. We lift our voices in thanksgiving for all that is because of your great and abiding love. We ask that we might live our lives as daughters and sons of the LORD, disciples of Christ, and temples of the Spirit. May we be heralds of your great power and presence, magnificent signs of your compassionate and unending love. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen