Forgotten Ground Regained
Call His Name John
Luke 1:5-25
Poem reprinted from Now God Is Flesh: Poems and Pictures for Christmastide
On golden wings and glowing with goodnessfrom God on high, Gabriel cameto the Holy Place where the priest prayedand offered incense, earnestly seekingthe Lord’s salvation. To devout Zechariahthe angel appeared, at the altar’s right.Then fear afflicted the faithful priest.
“Do not be afraid but be filled with joy:your prayer has been heard on high by the Lord.And your lady Elizabeth, so long barren,will bear you a son, a boy called John,for God is gracious. And great will he bebefore the Lord who lives to save.And no strong drink but the Spirit of Godwill fill your son from conception forward.And this prophet John will preach repentance,preparing for God a penitent peoplewho turn with love to the Lord their God,from vain rebellion to bold believing.”
So Gabriel announced good news to him.But Zechariah doubted. For rich in yearswere the priest and his lady: unlikely it seemedthey would know this joy, that John would openthe womb of his wife. He wondered aloudto the envoy of God and the angel answered him:
“I am Gabriel, God is my strength,and I stand in His presence. He sent me to bring youthese glad tidings, this trustworthy news.And now, behold, for not believingmy words of truth your tongue is stilleduntil the day these deeds are done,these gifts of God are graciously given.”
Outside the people were praying and wonderingwhat was so long delaying their priest.And coming out, he could not speak,and the people discerned he had seen a visionin the Holy Place. How could he tell them?While he made signs, he remained speechless.
To his home he returned when his time of servicecame to an end. And after these dayshis wife conceived; and herself she hidfor five months’ time, finding her joyin the Giver of gifts, for God is gracious.
Copyright © 2013 Kathryn Ann Hill.