Sunday, 22 December 2013

The Fourth Sunday in Advent


Sunday, December 22, 2013
Luke 1: 57 - 66  (The Birth of John)

Every birth is a miracle, and in spite of all that we know beforehand, a surprise  She has Grandma’s eyes!  Look at how tiny are the toes! I did not know I could love anyone like this!

John’s birth was a big surprise - firstly because it came long after Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up all hope of having a child of their own.  Then, Elizabeth surprises her friends when she does something surprising - she gives him a name that has never been used in their family before - a huge break in tradition - in “what is done”.  Zechariah adds to the surprise by agreeing with Elizabeth. That took everyone by surprise.

Peterson’s translation (The Message), says “Surprise followed surprise”, as Zechariah breaks his 9 month silence (emboldened?) and praises God.

Perhaps God is trying to surprise me - how will I respond?  I pray for my eyes to be open to everyday miracles, and to God’s surprises.  Those surprise can, I suspect, change me and change my world. There will be nothing else to do but to thank and praise God.

Blessings to us all.

-Ann Kelland

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