Wednesday 19 December

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 70 (71):3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25

God looked favourably on me

The infancy narratives situate the whole gospel within the story of God’s plan. Many references to the Old Testament graft us into that story of God’s people. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as ‘righteous’ before God, a word used of God and a handful of men. Zachariah, a priest mediating the divine, is fearful and unable to believe this new act of God. He is silent. Elizabeth is the one who discerns in her heart, understands and proclaims what God has done for her. When I am like Zachariah? When am I like Elizabeth?