Scripture ReadingLuke 1:17 (NIV)And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of theparents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready apeople prepared for the Lord.John 3:28–30 (NIV)You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The frie...  Read More

Scripture ReadingLuke 1:15–17 (NIV)For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink,and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of thepeople of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the d...  Read More

Scripture ReadingLuke 1:13–14 (NIV)But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wifeElizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you,and many will rejoice because of his birth.”Luke 1:41, 44 (NIV)When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filledwith the Holy Spirit...  Read More

Scripture — Luke 1:20; 63–64 (NIV)20 “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.Reflection...  Read More

Scripture — Luke 1:18–20 (NIV)18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, w...  Read More

Scripture — Luke 1:11–13 (NIV)11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”ReflectionFear can rise even in the holiest p...  Read More