Naming the New Thing - December 23

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 80; PM Psalm 146, 147; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Gal. 3:1-14; Luke 1:57-66

I wonder what it was like for Zechariah. He was without a voice since the moment he learned that his wife was pregnant with their child. For nine months he has been silent, unable to communicate in spoken word, and then as he shares the name of his son, John, on a tablet, his tongue is freed, and he immediately begins speaking. He is able to live more fully into who he is.

I don’t think this is the intent of Luke necessarily, but it does seem to me to be pretty profound that when Zechariah properly names what God has done (the birth of his son) he is able to live more fully. It is as if, recognizing what God has done actually changes our lives and gives us the ability to live fully into who we are as God’s beloved.

What is God doing in your life? What is God birthing that needs to be named? In just a few days we give name and credence to the new thing that God has done in the world. I’m willing to bet that has implications for each of our own lives too.  Maybe it’s time we name it.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection: How much time do you spend pondering what God is up to in your life?  Do things happen because of your due diligence, hard work, charisma, or luck, or is God at work in your life too?  How does naming what God doing change your perspective?

Daily Challenge:  Consider three new avenues in your life.  Spend time journaling about or daydreaming about new things that God is calling you to in the new year.