12/23/2025
TUESDAY DECEMBER 23RD
The gospel for today ends with the people around Elizabeth and Zechariah pondering the meaning of John the Baptist's birth and name:
"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, 'What, then, will this child be? For surely, the hand of the Lord was with him'" (Luke 1:66).
While they might have been speaking of John, months later others would ask, "What child is this?" when looking upon the baby Jesus. And, in truth, centuries after those two births it remains something to ponder with the birth of every child. For surely, each life is a product of God's handiwork, created with purpose and intentionality. Each of us has a role to play in the story of our human family.
As we draw near to the Season of Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior, perhaps we also might celebrate how God seeks to include us in the work of salvation. Each of us has been blessed since birth with particular gifts and talents. Like the presents we will exchange in the coming days, we must consider how God is asking us to share our gifts and talents with those around us.
Looking ahead to the new year, taking to heart all the things that we have pondered in this Advent Season, we ask ourselves, "Who shall I be in the New Year? For surely, the hand of the Lord is with me, leading and guiding me to become a gift for the world around me."
🎶 Reflect and listen to this song I have chosen for today's reflection!
https://youtu.be/xRfPUrsnejg?si=65qe03k5MqH-577Q
