Luke 1:25

New International Version

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

For Meditation

She expected nothing on this day, and things moved like every other day as she did her daily activities. Old Zechariah had gone for some time, attending to his duties as a priest in the Lord’s service in Jerusalem. She missed him sorely—the old couple who shared their loneliness with no children living with them or visiting.

Imagine the day Zechariah returned from Jerusalem after his service ended. Elizabeth meets him with a broad smile and a warm embrace to welcome him. Not a word proceeds from him. Not a shalom. She realizes something is wrong. “What happened?” But only signs from old Zach. How does he explain to her—the entire story, especially the promised conception and a boy? Will she believe him? After all, he didn’t. 

Things changed quickly, though, and a lot happened in a short time—for a lot of things transpired. The couple became warmer than before—just like they were in their youth. She noticed the changes in her body chemistry, and soon—it was happening. She was pregnant!

She couldn’t believe it, but it was true. They were going to have a baby—the boy Gabriel promised. But what will people say? Will anybody believe she is pregnant? So, she remained in seclusion for five months (Lk. 24).

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said (25).

That is the beginning of the Christmas story—the announcement and conception of John, the forerunner of the Messiah. John got to be born in a home, but baby Jesus would have to take His first breath in a sheep pen with, perhaps, a pungent smell. But both babies were gifts of a different kind. John was a gift to an old couple without hope for a baby, but only the expectation to see the consolation of Israel; and Jesus—God’s unique blessing to the world for the salvation of the repentant sinner. The two bring surprises and joy to their parents and the world. Each had an anointing for their specific purposes in the redemption plan of God. They are stories of the supernatural intervention of the Almighty in individual lives and that of the world, and you are part of the entire story.

God has His way of doing things, my friend. The Sovereign Lord of all creation has fitted everything in your life for His ultimate plan for His world. You are not a mistake, and nothing in your life evades His notice and concern. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rm. 8:28). All the happenings in your life are part of the same tapestry of the Almighty.

My prayer for you is that God will do something for you this Christmas season that will be a delight and joy to you and everybody around you.