Luke 1:57-66

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear overcame all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

Traditions and our usual way of doing things bring comfort. Has God spoken to your heart to do something different that would go against your usual way of doing things? It could be something small like a change in mindset or better communication. Or, maybe it is something life-changing like a new job or becoming involved in an organization to serve and volunteer. Has God called you to spend more time in His presence and to live in the present moment with wonder and gratitude?

This morning’s meditation listening to Pray as you go, Friday, December 23, shared the story of Elizabeth. I imagined her speaking clearly what God had said to her and her husband. “His name will be called John.” Yet, those around her could not understand because of the tradition and culture of naming your son a family name. It was then that God opened up her husband’s mouth to confirm what God had said to them.

God speaks to us, and He confirms His promises in His time.

I’ve had three beautiful women speak into my life this week. Once upon a time, we were together in Bible study (Woman of Worth), learning how God loves us. They have grown into amazing women. God confirmed His promises in their lives as adults and spoke to them as teenagers. His Word is written on their hearts. And I was blessed to hear from them and see the glory of the Lord working in their lives. What a treasure beyond words can convey. I’d love to share their text messages, yet the privacy of their story consumes me. Like Mary, there are some things you treasure in your heart.

I went to my old pictures and wanted to share some memories here.

The song Shalom is beautiful to me. Read the lyrics and see how God is always working, and He is our peace, even when we, like Elizabeth, may have to shout it out–No! His Word says……

My niece, Amanda, gave me these words and the song. She reminded me that you always go to God’s Word and remember His promises.