Malachi 3:1-5
Psalm 25:1-14
Luke 1:57-66
The birth of John the Baptist born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age, reminds me of Abraham and Sarah in their old age giving birth to Isaac. And then we have Mary giving birth to a son in her youth. God provided a way forward in each of these births.
The custom was to give the child a family name. But Zechariah agreed with Elizabeth that their son’s name would be John. Abraham was charged by God to sacrifice his son. God provided the lamb. Joseph could have called off the wedding, but God provided a dream, a stable, and so much more.
Advent can very easily become a busy month of preparations for Christmas Pageants, familiar music, and liturgies, as well as plans for family traditions to unfold yet again. What if we were to go beyond our liturgies and community celebrations of this season and go beyond our family traditions? I have often thought of this season of Advent as the pregnant season — a time of waiting and looking forward to the familiar story of the birth of Christ.
What will be birthed anew in me, in you, in this season this year?
As with Isaac, John, and Jesus, God will provide!
– Marilyn Newport
