An Advent Reflection by Barbara Simmonds, LLM Beaminster Team.
Read
Luke 1:18-20 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
Reflect
When Henry, a contestant on Great British Bake Off this year, received a ‘Hollywood Handshake’ his reaction as Paul Hollywood held out his hand was to say ‘Shut up!’ Henry was so surprised to receive what he had been hoping for, he couldn’t believe it was happening.
Zechariah can’t believe what the angel has told him, and starts to say that it can’t be true; he questions the angel. In response, the angel effectively tells Zechariah to shut up – he says that Zechariah will be mute until the baby is born.
How do we react to surprises? Do we expect things we have been hoping for to happen?
Pray
God of surprises, help us to be open to the surprises and moments of wonder in our daily lives. Help us to take the time to notice and enjoy them. Amen.
Act
How could you surprise someone this Advent? Is there a friend or family member who would love the surprise of hearing your voice on the phone?
-Barbara Simmonds, LLM Beaminster Team.
You can read all of the Advent Reflections via the following link – Advent Reflections 2019.