Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
Luke begins his Gospel by telling Theophilus that he has 'carefully studied' the stories of Jesus that were circulating at the time. Luke writes as a serious historian, and perhaps his account was challenging for those who found their favourite tales left out.
Zechariah and Elizabeth are sometimes left out of the Christmas story we tell in our carol services, but Luke devotes quite a lot of space to them. Like Abraham and Sarah, they are old and childless but faithful. It takes a divine intervention for their child to be born, and that means he will be a significant figure – like Isaac, or Samson, or Samuel.
Zechariah, unsurprisingly, is overwhelmed by the angel's message (verse 18). The idea that his elderly wife would have a son who would be another Elijah was too much for him. Because of his doubt, Gabriel takes from him the power of speech.
We might be gently amused by this story, but it is a challenging one. After a lifetime of quiet and faithful discipleship, Zechariah has given up expecting God to do anything different in his life. When it happens, he doesn't welcome it and tries to push it away. Many believers today might find themselves in the same position. It’s significant that he loses the power of speech; without a real and active belief that God is at work, we have nothing to say.
The beginning of Luke's Gospel shows God breaking in to the world and changing lives. He still does today.
God, let me be open to hearing your voice when it breaks me out of my comfort zone. Help me to be willing to listen when you bring me something new.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
Read the Bible 
Processing...