Christmas is around the corner. In the last few days, we heard several miraculous stories of conceptions and births.
The book of Judges, 13:2-7, 24-25, is the story surrounding the birth of Sampson. Sampson’s mother was barren, but the Lord had mercy upon her. Sampson’s mother was told “…. this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb…..”
In Luke 1: 5-25, is the story of the birth of John, later known as John the Baptism. His parents were childless until the time God looked upon them with mercy. John’s father Zechariah was told by the angel of the Lord “…. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb…..”
In Luke 1: 26-38, the angel appeared to Mary and inform her of God’s intention about her. The angel told Mary “Behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father……”
In Matthew 1: 18-25, the angel met Joseph and told him “For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus.”
In today’s gospel the mystery of the birth of John continues to unfold. According to Jewish culture, after eight days of the birth of a male child, comes the time for circumcision and naming ceremony. The angel has already told Zechariah the name that he will give to the child. However, Zechariah was mute, which was as a result of him doubting the messenger from God.
Keep in mind that Zechariah and Elizabeth were the only custodians of the message of the regarding this child, John. The angel has given them his name, his mission, his feeding instructions and the dress code.
Hence, when the time came for them to give the baby a name, his mother, Elizabeth, called the baby “John” as instructed. Unfortunately, their relatives and family members objected to such a name, since the such name foreign to their family tree. No one in the family had ever had such a name, they said.
Zechariah, the mute husband of Elizabeth was consulted for his own opinion. Since he could not speak, he did ask for something to write on, and he wrote the name “John”. The couple followed the angel’s directives. At this time, his speech impediment was removed, and he was able to speak again.
What can you and I learn from this incident?
1. The person who received the message from God, is the custodian of the message.
2. No matter the odds, stick to God’s instructions
3. Pressures from families and friends are inevitable, stick to your guns
4. Only the Truth shall set you free
5. Zechariah was set free, when he said the truth.
6. Be honest to yourself, to others, and to God.
7. God never makes mistakes
8. Never doubt God
As we reflect on the nativity of John the Baptist and his naming ceremony, may we aspire to make way in our hearts so that our Lord Jesus Christ can pass through.
Let’s keep in mind that Christmas is not about what is under the tree, but about the people around it.
Have a wonderful Week, Merry Christmas.
