The book of Luke is well known for having a beautifully written narrative of the birth of Jesus. Many of the verses in Luke 2 have been used as memory verses and in Christmas plays.
Verses such as Luke 2:12: “And thus will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Yet I really enjoy getting to read about what comes before the epic announcement of Christ’s birth. Zacharias has an encounter with the angel Gabriel who tells him that his barren wife, Sarah, will conceive a child. It says that Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous before God, walking in all His commandments. A little while later, Gabriel speaks to Mary and tells her that she has found favour with God and that she will conceive a child and bring forth a Son whose name shall be Jesus. This is our first introduction to Elizabeth and Mary and their stories almost bring me to tears.
Two faithful women who had no idea that their lives were about to be turned upside down. Both known for their humility and willingness to serve the Lord. One woman advanced in age and barren, the other a virgin, only recently betrothed to her fiancé. Sarah’s son, John, would grow up to be the prophet of the Highest and to prepare the way of the Lord. Mary’s son, Jesus, would be the Son of the Highest and there would be no end to His kingdom. Both men would be persecuted and killed because of their testimony. Jesus would conquer death and sin and proclaim salvation for any who would come to Him. Neither of the women expected to be a part of such a miracle. Yet God chose them because of their humility and because they walked in righteousness before God.
God has designed each and every one of us and prepared good works for us to walk in. We may not know what those works are, but we do know that the most important thing is to walk in righteousness and find favour with God. To have a disposition to be a part of the miracles that God is doing around us. John’s calling was to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide their feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79). This holiday season, may our hearts be open to God in complete surrender. May we ask Him to open our eyes to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death so that they can have an encounter with the Light of Life and the Prince of Peace.