Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
This last full day of the Advent season tells the wondrous story of the birth and naming of John the Baptist. We are reminded that John’s Father, Zechariah, had been rendered speechless for his wife Elizabeth’s entire pregnancy because he doubted God’s promise. Though Elizabeth’s time with Mary assists her trust in the story, the extended relatives do not believe her sense of the boy’s name and role, so they turn to the father. It is only after Zechariah states the baby’s name will be John (a radical choice to his relatives, since it’s not continuing a family name, but rather acknowledging the angel messenger), that he can speak again and words of praise and gratitude will flow! We, like their family are called to wonder at the great deeds God has done and is doing!
The story is rich in symbols and comfort for all of us. There are times we are each unable to find words when overcome with deep feelings, or unbelievable mysteries, too difficult to comprehend. Times when we doubt God, because we think it is impossible that good will come from our weakness and sadness. Times when others doubt our sense of God’s call. Extended silence, or isolation can be a help in our spiritual life, be it a chosen time of retreat, a chosen reduction in activity (or one that befalls us), or a time when we feel more distant from God or other people. These times can deepen our appreciation and gratitude for what we previously may have taken for granted. The gospel message is of hope, goodness and new life rebirth, coming out of a barren time.
Today is a good day to find a quiet moment to read back through the richness of the first chapter of Luke and the events and prayers that are foundational to our Christian tradition. The stories are full of God-breaking-through moments, integral parts of the Advent Season: announcing the birth of John and Jesus, the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth supporting each other in their extraordinary pregnancies, and the great prayer of Mary’s Magnificat (which is the Canticle prayed daily in Evening Prayer (Vespers); and finally the great Canticle of Zechariah (the Canticle prayed daily in Morning Prayer) which is tomorrow’s Gospel These are all image-abundant stories and prayers of hope and promise.
As we complete our Advent journey, take some time to reflect on what the season has been for you and find comfort in the companionship of the elder Elizabeth and John (who have given up hope of a baby) and young Mary and Joseph (who feel too young for such responsibility as raising a Savior). Where do you feel unprepared and doubting that you can do what your life journey beckons ? In what ways have you been surprised and blessed? Let the words of the Advent and Christmas readings and songs sink into you….with their moments of silence and breakthrough, and be filled with the wonder and joy for God’s love breaks through time and again in human history and each of our lives. Emmanuel - God is with us now, each and every day !