December 23 2005

Lk 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.”
The mouth of Zechariah, who was made dumb after questioning God,was opened when he followed the instruction of the angel and requested that his son be named John. The people see that the hand of God is involved in the naming of this child and wonder what will the future for this child be. God's hand was in the naming and birth of the child, John the Baptist. God's hand is also in the birth of all children.

I feel that we all need to cherish the blessing of the birth of a child everywhere and with everyone. I find it the hope of the world and wish that every new life could be cherished by all people and rejoiced in as a part of God's plan for us all.

In the story of John the Baptist is the life of a great prophet who ties the Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament, to the the New Testament and new life in Christ. I am this day still in the process of preparing the way for Christ in myself.

This tuesday night, I went with some Sisters to a local event at the churches in town for Christmas. For a larger part of the evening, we sat in a Methodist church and listened to different choirs and children playing Christmas music. It was a joy for me to see the little children in the church, dancing, squirming, crying, smiling with their families. There is something so joyful and lifefilling just to be in a place with many young people and their loving families. A large part of Christmas to me is people gathering together in love and cherishing each other in a joyful way on this holiday. For me this spirit of fellowship reaches beyond any place or religion to a love of all people in the world.

The biggest work that is left for me before Christmas now is to ready my heart. The wrapping of gifts and decorating are minor details and some opportunities for more fellowship with others. I pray this morning for an open heart.