I am going to try to read the Gospel according to Luke (read
here on the USCCB site) this Advent - 24 chapters, 1 a day from now to Christmas Eve.
In chapter 1, we read about the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist to his elderly parents Zechariah and Elizabeth. What a wonderful surprise for both - although Elizabeth had a fairly peaceful nine months because Zechariah did not believe the angel Gabriel when he was told this would be happening and was struck mute!
And then Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, was chosen to birth the son of God! What an exciting and terrifying time for her. When the angel Gabriel announced this to Mary (called the Annunciation), we are all indebted to her for saying "yes". Without her consent, our world would be very different. Thank you Mary, our Blessed Mother, for consenting to this great responsibility and world changing birth. The "Canticle of Mary" is a beautiful song from Mary blessing God and all of His great works - I love reading this passage.
We also read about the first person to recognize that the child Mary was carrying was "my Lord" - John leaped for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Mary entered. A very humbling and amazing occurrence.
This chapter also tells of the birth of John and that Zechariah's speech was returned once he agreed with Elizabeth that their son's name is John. Oh, the peaceful silence has been lifted! John would be raised without strong drink and filled with the Holy Spirit. He would "make ready for the Lord a people prepared."
Please join me in the reading of Luke and leave your own comments here.
Stay tuned for tomorrow and Chapter 2.
