For nine months, deep in the silent space beneath Elizabeth’s heart, John the Baptist was being formed.   As silent as this space, was the mouth of John’s father, Zechariah.  Remember what happened to Zechariah in the opening of St. Luke’s Gospel that we read two weeks ago. Zechariah doubted Angel Gabriel’s words.  It was time for him to be quiet for nine months, preparing himself allow God to speak through him. 

That’s just what happened when John was born.  The people shouted for joy.  Happiness and faith blurted out of the mouth of Zechariah who sang the song of today’s reading.

The song has been connected for many centuries with morning prayer.  This is a wonderful reading to pray with your family after breakfast before you all go about your day.  You will receive the same joy of Elizabeth and Zechariah who were so happy about what God did for them, and what God  will do for you this day that God has made. 

Luke 1:57-80 

Examples of Bible Breaths Learn More…

Serving You in holiness v. 73
Going, to prepare Your ways v. 76
Giving light to those in dark v. 79
Guiding to the way of peace v. 79

Check out Study Tools in BibleGateway.
I especially recommend the free resource
in Matthew Henry’s Commentary.‘s Commentary.

In Year A, we continue to read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

These Firestarters are for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.