Christmas ViewpointSample

Elizabeth Speaks Up

'When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. All the neighbours were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.'

The long-awaited birth of a son to Zechariah and Elizabeth became a reality. Zechariah was still speechless because he questioned the angel’s announcement of this blessed event. Because he was stricken mute, Elizabeth had to take the lead in the circumcision of their son. She followed the instructions of the angel that the boy’s name would not be what was traditional, naming the boy after his father but receiving the name John.

Elizabeth had to overcome the social norms of the day to follow the will of the Lord. It is interesting to note that her response began with an emphatic “No!” Elizabeth’s faith and determination are an inspiration to us. Just because something isn’t easy does not mean it isn’t God’s will.

Elizabeth was an overcomer through the strength of the Lord.

Viewpoint Reflection

What is a 'norm of the day' you feel as a follower of Christ from which you need to stay away?