Daily Gospel Reflection for December 19, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

If my ability to speak was taken away from me whenever I questioned God or a holy messenger, I’d probably speak far less frequently. How about you?

Poor Zechariah. He asks a legitimate question, and, boom, no talking for nine months. He was a man of God, a priest in service at the temple who prayed for a child for him and Elizabeth. And when he is told a child will come he questions the answer to prayer. When I was a little girl, my grandfather always reminded me that if someone gave me a gift, I was to be gracious and say thank you. I think Gabriel was waiting for a thank you.

Christmas is a few days away. How will we say thank you to our Savior for the gift of the Incarnation? Hint: It’s not by baking more cookies or wrapping more gifts. Let’s look to the angel Gabriel and announce the Good News of Jesus’ birth in quiet, simple ways that remind us of the depth of the gift.

Celebrate, yes, with cookies and gifts, family meals, and Christmas trees--whatever your family does when you gather. But then, take the time to reflect and thank, to be present to each other, and to pray in thanksgiving for the gift of every person. Say thank you to the people in your life.

Poor Zechariah. He was overcome when Gabriel spoke to him. From now until Christmas, listen carefully, watch carefully – God is speaking to you. What does He have to say? God will probably not speak to you through an angel; it may be a small child, your elderly aunt, or a random person at the mall. Look for Him in the unexpected and when you receive that thought or word or grace, say thank you. He has something for you; I know He does.

Ponder:

Where have I seen God today?

Pray:

Thank you, Father, for the gift of the Incarnation.

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Let’s look to the angel Gabriel and announce the Good News of Jesus’ birth in quiet, simple ways that remind us of the depth of the gift. #DailyGospel

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