Luke 1:62-65 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 was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.
 
IN awe they were talking about “these things”. The “things” were the miracles in Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s lives. These remarkable things were big news. Headline news, breaking news – whatever the term is today to grab our attention – truly defines the news around John’s birth. Facebook, Twitter, and every other communication app would have been flooded with “these things”.  Yes, this family was big news.
    And how would they talk about these wonderful things? Would they say Zechariah and Elizabeth finally got themselves a baby? Would they say, “Did you hear about Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s good luck? They got their baby boy! They called him Jehochanan. The name means the grace and mercy of Yahweh – what luck!”
    No, they would have talked of God. They called him Yahweh. He is the “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). He is the infinite, personal God, who is the origin of everything. Yes, God has broken into this family to say to Judea, “Here I am! I love you, and I have something grand for you. I have made the impossible happen in this family, and this is a sign for all of you! More impossibles are about to come” That “more” is his Savior, who entered into Judea a few months later through a virgin in a Bethlehem stable. From Judea the news of “these things” has spread throughout the ages and across the globe and to you this very day.
    What now is your response? Have you spoken of “these things” on Facebook and Twitter, etc.? Do you talk of God? Yes, go ahead and talk of his wonders in your life. Talk of the life he has given you. Talk of God’s grace to give you his Son. Talk of God’s love to send you the Holy Spirit to live in you. Talk praise and awe. Tell your church, tell your friends, tell your family. Tell the world of God’s good news to come and save you.
 
Prayer: I open my mouth to speak of your great miracles in my life, Lord. Thank you for Jesus, for your Spirit and for your love. Amen.

 

Luke 1:59-61 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.”
 
WHAT is in a name? What does it matter which name this little boy receives? It matters to God. Through his messenger Gabriel, the Lord told dad Zechariah to name him John. And obviously Zechariah had written it down for Elizabeth to know. But what does it matter?
    The matter of the right name indicates something about God we must know: God always acts to point us to him, even with these seemingly small details. Names in the Hebrew culture mean a great deal. To us, “John” doesn’t seem that special. To Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Jews and to God “John” means a great deal.
    “John” in Hebrew is written Jehochanan or Yªhowchanan and means “the grace or mercy of Yahweh.” John is so named because he was to go to the Jews and announce the God of all grace was about to mercifully step into the world! Grace and Mercy would come in the flesh to save the world from sin.
    Each time John’s parents, relatives and friends would say “John”, they would be reminded that God had a very special purpose for his life. John is the great Announcer of God’s mercy, and he will personally point to the Messiah. He is the last of a long line of Old Testament prophets who announced God’s promise in the form of such magnificent Scripture as Isaiah 9:5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
    Joyfully, the zeal of the Lord God has brought John to earth to announce: “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (John 1:23). “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.” (John 1:32) These announcements revealed Jesus to his first disciples, and they began to follow him.
    Yes, God loves you so much he worked out all the details of your salvation. All Scripture announces God’s salvation for his disciples. Will you hear the announcement and follow Jesus, too?
 
Prayer: Open my mouth Father to declare, “See Jesus is the Savior of the world. Confess him. Repent and follow him.” In Jesus’ love I pray, amen.
 

Luke 1:57-58 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.
 
JOY is a little word with large meaning. Joy is anticipating our grandchildren coming for a quick or overnight visit. Joy is hugging them, listening to their opinions, watching a movie and playing a game with them. Joy is in our hearts as we are with them because we love them very, very much.
    But there is another aspect of joy we have toward our grandchildren. That joy is expressed toward God with a feeling of thankfulness that God has given to us such treasures. Even though it’s sad when we leave them and go home – even a short distance today - the joy remains because of our deep love for them and for God. Note, God is at the center of this joy. He is the One who has offered his extraordinary kindness to give our grandchildren to us.
    Elizabeth and her friends expressed great joy at John’s birth. They were in awe and delight of God’s unexpected gift. This was a miracle beyond the ordinary miracle of a baby born! Their joy was an expression of grateful hearts for the son and great love toward God in his tender kindness. True joy comes to our lives when we understand the Great Miracle God has given us in his Son, Jesus. Jesus brings release from pain and sorrow forever. He frees us from sin’s joy-robbing limitations into Heaven’s eternal wonders. Indeed, our God’s tender mercy is sure cause for true joy!
    When we understand this in our hearts, life’s trials seem smaller. Irritations diminish; aggravations go away; patience grows; and love prospers. An eternal smile forms on our hearts as we settle our minds into the wonder of God adopting us to be his children in Jesus.
    As you consider how God is merciful to you, I pray you feel this joy in your heart each day as you declare, “In God’s favor, I am a child of the Living God.”
 
Prayer: O what joy I feel, Father, to be your child. I lift up my heart, my hands, my mind to say, “Thank you!” Amen.

Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
 
THIS verse always stops me in my “tracks” so to speak. I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but it is very much.
    At Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s home Mary is in a very safe place. Elizabeth totally understands Mary’s sudden, miraculous pregnancy. The same thing has happened to Elizabeth! Zechariah, too, knows as Mary does what it is like to hear from and speak to an angel. They understand! To Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary’s growing tummy is not a threat but is God’s promise fulfilled. The faithful couple and the faithful virgin are walking the same road with their gracious God. They are certainly finding comfort, strength and assurance in each other.
    But when Mary goes home, life will change. The whispers will start and grow to shouts of condemnation. Questions will be asked. “Who is the father of your baby? Why
have you disgraced your family in such a way?” Of course, she can only answer with the “impossible” truth. Why not just stay with Elizabeth?
    Yes, in our view this sounds good, but it wouldn’t be good. That’s not what God wants her to do. Mary must go home to complete the betrothal time with Joseph – even to discover if he will still have her.  Here is one of the first steps of faith for the virgin mother of our Lord. She can stay with what she knows in comfort. Or she can step forward into God’s plan for her life.
    How will she have the strength to go down that uncertain road? How will she trust God? He has given her a mission but not a clear picture of everything she would encounter and endure. In truth, Mary needs that humility she mentioned earlier to believe God is in control of her life.
    You need it, too. God loves you. And he wants you to grow deeper in love with him. To do so, you need to let go of your “comfort” to journey down “uncomfortable” pathways with God leading the way.
    You may “like” where you are, even if it’s harmful to you because you know the place. In a way, it’s safe for you. But God wants you to let go of yourself and hold on to him. That’s where Mary is going. She’s walking down the rocky pathway with God because he has called her. Yes, this moment when Mary returned home, indeed, is “very much”.
 
Prayer: Grant me peace and faith, to walk steadfastly with you, Lord.

Luke 1:51-55 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
 
GOD has a big arm, doesn’t he? I checked through the Old Testament and found many references to “outstretched arm”. Each time the phrase demonstrated God’s power to deliver his people from harm.
    This reminds me of a loving parent who reaches out to protect a child from a car coming down the street, from falling off a bicycle or from the pain of someone’s hurtful words. God’s “outstretched arm” protected his people and delivered them into the Promised Land of safety and abundance.
    If you are feeling weak or not very important, please know that God’s outstretched arm is ready to embrace you, protect you and surround you with his goodness. God’s mighty power is prepared to care for you when you humbly go to him and tell him, “Forgive my pride, Father God. I am weak in my ways, and I know you are my strength. Embrace me with your outstretched arm, Father. Fill me with your strength that I may rest and rejoice in you.”
    As we leave Mary’s praise to the Father, I encourage you to take some time to speak or write your own praise to God. Speak to him of your needs. Proclaim to him your love for him. Celebrate the ways he has cared for you in your life. Praise him for the ways he will stretch his arm around you now and forever.
   
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift my arms to receive yours around me. Hold me close. Thank you for never letting me go. Amen.
 

Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.”
 
MARY has heard the message. She has time to consider her assignment. Elizabeth assures Mary in her glorious task. Mary then responds in the way we all must as we recognize God’s gracious love to call us to serve him. Mary praises God with her mouth from her heart and soul.
    Mary’s statement “for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” is a heart-based worshipful response to God. She fully understood that she does not deserve this great blessing to be the mother of the Savior. What has happened to her is not because she was good or special, but because God had chosen her. Mary understood the Sovereign Lord is at work in her life to do his eternal, universal work. This is why he’s saved you, too. This is all about God come to you for his eternal will.
    As we hear Mary’s words of praise ring down through the ages, we can only consider our own approach to God. Do we go to him looking for what we don’t have? Or do we go to him thankful for him? Recently, I was at home one afternoon when our daughter unexpectedly came to see me. As I greeted her at the door, she said nothing but came to me, hugged me and said, “I am thankful you are here. I love you, daddy.” This is a moment I will take with me to the day I meet Jesus personally. You see, our daughter had just been with a good friend who had suddenly lost her father. Her friend can no longer tell her dad, “I’m thankful you are here. I love you, daddy.”
    Oh, how your view of God would expand if you see him through eyes that said, “I just want to be with you. I want to let you know I love you. I want to hold you and feel you hold me.” Isn’t that what prayer should be? Isn’t that what Mary was doing here? What love she expressed to her Father in Heaven, “For the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.” Should you not joyfully go to prayer with such love? Think of how you get to approach God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit because he has chosen to be your Father forever. He has rescued you from your sin, from your selfish desires, from your despair and spiritual hunger. The Spirit of the Father has turned your eyes to his great, sweet grace. We call his grace, “Jesus”. He is your Savior for right now, this very instant. He is your Savior throughout eternity. Stop and knock on God’s door and tell him, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me –  holy is his name.”
 
Prayer: Father, Spirit and Son, I love you for who you are. Turn my heart to rejoice in my relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, the Father’s grace and the Spirit’s power, amen.
 

Luke 1:39-45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
 
MARY is prepared to bear the Messiah. As Gabriel steps away, Mary steps into life. What might happen next? If she is as we are, her boldness and submission might turn back to the realities that face her. Fears and doubts likely could have welled up in her again. Now that the angel had left her, where would Mary find encouragement?
    Mary thought, “I need to talk to someone. Who better than Elizabeth?” After all, Gabriel had told Mary that her barren cousin Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age. So Mary goes. And here God affirms the chosen virgin. See how Mary finds in Elizabeth a joy in the Lord. Elizabeth overflows with excitement and praise for God’s great work. She is one of those positive personalities who exudes God’s grace and love. Through Elizabeth, Mary is encouraged and strengthened in her to walk into God’s “impossible” task.
    Oh, there are so many ways we can be afraid, weak and alone as we walk with God. He gives us big visions, but then it seems few results occur. We pray for change in our church, but the chairs and pews stay empty. The world cries out for meaning, but too few will submit their lives to live into such meaningful words as Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. 
    Yes, it’s true. Much is against you if you say to God, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) Our own nature says, “Don’t go.” And the culture says, “Look after yourself first.” But as you desire to serve your Lord God, remember and be encouraged in Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s’ story. Be affirmed in Mary’s and Joseph’s story. Above all, celebrate and be encouraged in God’s story! He has chosen to save you!
    Our God gives to his servants many people to help them fulfill their mission. Listen to good teachers and friends who will share God’s Word with you. Join with others to hear from God. As Mary went to Elizabeth, you can go to peers, mentors, pastors and teachers. Today, too, we have a bounty of resources to see, hear and read of people who struggled, persevered and triumphed as kingdom servants.
    Do you need help to stay with God? Then go to people whom God has placed in your life. You are never alone in the Kingdom of God. Fellowship with others. Live in peace and joy in God’s purpose.
 
Prayer: I seek you, Lord, with anticipation and joy. Thank you for the magnificent life you have purposed for me. May I find encouragement in like-minded people. May I be an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
 
 

Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
 
DO you find it easy or difficult to say to God, “May it be to me as you have said.” Perhaps it is easy to say this with our lips. Likely these words are more difficult to speak from our heart.
    To be a servant to God is more as a slave to a master. This means we are ready to without question or reservation do the Master’s bidding at any moment. But often when we feel God leading us, even pointedly directing us to some work or some person, we might ask, “Why me, Father? Are you sure, Lord? Can this wait a few days? Maybe I could do that task in a few years. Are you sure you have the right person, God? Can I get back to you?”
    Mary faced, as we have seen, a humanly impossible task. As a pregnant virgin she knew she would face accusation, criticism and separation from the Jewish authorities, her family and friends. Joseph would certainly leave her. Her family could reject her. Extreme uncertainty and difficulties lay ahead. There could be a trial and a decree of death by stoning because of her perceived sin of sexual impurity. This was God’s own law as stated in Deuteronomy 22:20-22.
    But Mary goes anyway because the God, who made the law, has promised the impossible will happen. She has a slave’s heart for God. And thus, Mary spoke her heart-response to God. Prepared in the Lord’s sovereign grace and power, Mary is ready for this enormous task. She is prepared emotionally and spiritually to live full out as God’s designated Kingdom servant. 
    See in Mary an expression of a humble, faithful and loving heart. Mary is a good model to use when we hear God’s voice call us to his “impossible” purposes for our lives. To grow in our faith, we must often pray with a heart that says, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
 
Prayer: May it be to me as you have said, Lord. I open my heart to serve you. In the Spirit’s power and faith, amen.
 

Luke 1:34-37 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
 
“HOW will this be?” Mary wondered. Do you ever think, “In what manner, with what attitude did she say this?” Would she have spoken this compelling question with an attitude of “That’s impossible! There is no way this can happen.” Or would she have had a tone of expectation, “Wow! That sounds impossible, but I’m sure God has a way to make it happen. Tell me more.”
    Based on Gabriel’s response to her, I believe her attitude was as the latter. Certainly she did not understand how she a virgin would give birth to any baby let alone to the Son of God! But she was willing to hear the possibility.
    Mary’s ears and heart were open to God’s guidance along an unknown path. The tone of the entire account here is that she was ready to go to a new place with God. In fact, she likely was eager to learn how the impossible words would happen.
    Surely the Holy Spirit prepared Mary for this task. He gave to her great faith in God and sure love for God. She would have, as the Jews did, called him Yahweh. The name means God the Provider, God the Creator, God the Law Giver and God the Freedom Giver. “Yahweh” also affirms God is eternal. Mary must have known in her heart that God could and would do things beyond the natural laws he had established.
    That’s faith. Mary trusted God. She was assured “Nothing is impossible with God.” She took those words to heart. I pray this is true for you, too.
 
Prayer: When I look around and wonder, “How will this ever change, Lord?” I pray for faith to believe, “With God, nothing is impossible.” In the Spirit’s power I pray, amen.