Who Will Proclaim The Light?

Our story begins with Mary, who had just experienced a life-altering encounter with the angel Gabriel. She had received the astounding news that she would bear the Messiah, a moment that would forever change her life. And what did she do next? She rushed to share this incredible news with her cousin, Elizabeth.

Mary isn't the only one in the midst of a miraculous pregnancy. Her relatives, Zechariah and Elizabeth, are experiencing a miracle of their own. Despite their old age and previous inability to conceive, they received a message from God about the birth of their child.

Both Zechariah and Elizabeth come from a priestly lineage, and they are known for their righteousness before God. Still, their barrenness might have led others to believe that they were under God's curse. However, the divine announcement came, promising not just the birth of a child but hope for the nation as well. Their son would prepare the way for the Messiah, a pivotal role in the grand plan of salvation.

The Gospel of Luke will place these two miraculous pregnancies side by side. Mary, who had just experienced the most earth-shaking event imaginable, couldn't contain her excitement. She rushed to share her news with Elizabeth, her trusted confidant.

Elizabeth's response must have been filled with joy and curiosity. She welcomed Mary's news with open arms and exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" In that moment, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy. It's a touching scene, highlighting the profound connection between these two extraordinary women.

In our own lives, we can relate to the need for human connection during significant moments. As Christians, we believe in a God of the impossible and belong to a faith family that supports us when we need it most. In times of great joy or sorrow, we can turn to our Christian friends and find a listening ear.

The friend you confide in during pivotal moments should possess certain qualities. They should be free of jealousy and able to acknowledge and celebrate your successes. Just as Elizabeth rejoiced in Mary's blessing, our friends should be able to share in our joy.

Furthermore, Elizabeth affirmed Mary's experience and her faith in God's promises. She declared, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" When God speaks to us, we need friends who believe in the authenticity of our experiences. We need friends who say, "I believe that God is speaking to you."

In our lives, it's essential to have a few people we can call at any hour, even at 2 o'clock in the morning, when we're in trouble. These friends may not always be cheerful at that hour, but they will be there for us.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months until John was born. During this time, they surely covered a wide range of topics, from angels and babies to God, Israel, and the world. They shared life.

The holiday seasons can be challenging for many, and we must remember that we need each other during these times.

John the Baptist, miraculously born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, would be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was called to preach repentance and prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. His ministry, his austere lifestyle in the desert, and his attire were all reminiscent of the prophet Elijah.

John was not the Light; he was not the Messiah. He knew his role was to proclaim the light of the world. This story beautifully illustrates the divine and human working together, a concept that harkens back to Genesis when humanity was given authority over creation.

As Christians, we are called to be disciples, not to be Jesus but to be like the disciples. We are called to proclaim the Light. We can't be the Light, but we can proclaim it. Our role is to be followers of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.

We proclaim the Light through our attitudes, thoughts, actions, and words. We make disciples using the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Christmas is a season of gift-giving, and God has given each of us a gift: Jesus the Christ, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts that empower us to produce the fruits of the Spirit.

As we reflect on this message, consider your role as a proclaimer of the Light. Will you join in the proclamation of Jesus, the Light of the world? Will you share His love and message with those around you, using the unique gifts and talents that God has given you?