Reflection for December 23
Poor Elizabeth is remembered for being old. She is so old that she has long stopped hoping for a child. When she conceives, she’s a medical wonder and testament to the great “mercy” God has shown her with this gift. When Gabriel tells her husband that they will soon welcome a son, even Zechariah reminds the angel that she is too old; I like to imagine that Elizabeth found some comfort in the punishment he received for that reminder.
This story, however, does not belong solely to the elderly Elizabeth. Nor is it the tale of a patient couple rewarded for their years of holiness. There is a third character in this passage, one that shapes much of the narrative of this gospel.
I mean, of course, the neighbors and relatives who buzz about, judging and pushing, admonishing, and gossiping. “They” come to circumcise the child; “they” want to call the child Zechariah; “they” rebuke Elizabeth for her name choice; “they” were amazed at Zechariah’s words; and “they” discussed all these matters throughout Judea.
They try to shape the experience of this couple to fit their own expectations. In doing so, they fail to recognize the simple truth exhibited by this story -- what God wants is what happens. God named the child
John, God imposed and then released Zechariah from his inability to speak, God allowed old Elizabeth to conceive a child and God’s hand will be with the child. Advent is a time to remember to leave room for God’s will in our lives -- and to welcome what is unexpected.
I make a yearly promise to myself that I will more actively seek the peace that the Advent season promises. I’ll limit media, I’ll do more spiritual reading, I’ll practice silence. This year, I will add one more goal -- to seek peace in the promise that what God wants is what happens.
Terry Kamradt