Dave's Diary

From today, I invite you to join me in a series of eight readings that will take us on a journey to Christmas Eve. Let’s be a fly on the wall as we watch God initiating encounters and events that set the stage for the birth of our Saviour and Lord. And let’s ask the Spirit to whisper a fresh sense of wonder and hope to our souls.

As you read the daily reading each day, seek to enter the events in your imagination. Hear the sounds, smell the aromas, marvel at the sights, touch the textures, taste the flavours, feel the emotions and, most importantly of all, watch for the work of God.

The first character we meet on our journey is Zechariah.

The elderly Levite slowly entered the Holy Place in the temple complex. As he eased carefully through the heavy, embroidered curtains, the sound of the crowd raising prayers of adoration in the courtyard outside became muffled. The heat of the Jerusalem evening was replaced by the cool stillness of this sacred space. Reverently, he approached the golden incense altar. Sprinkling the incense onto the glowing coals, he watched the fragrant smoke rise heavenward, a holy symbol of the prayers of the people of God. The sense of God’s holy presence overwhelmed him and he knelt down low with his forehead to the hard, cool ground in awe and worship. What happened next changed his life forever!

Daily Reading: Luke 1:1-25

What emotions rise in you as you contemplate this encounter? For me, it evokes a deep sense of excitement and encouragement. It reminds me that when God has a plan, nothing can stand in the way. When God speaks His Word and the Holy Spirit goes to work by His life-giving power, suddenly nothing is impossible. An advanced age means nothing. A physical limitation is no obstacle. Even a complete lack of faith seems not to disqualify me when God has decided and God has spoken. And so this encounter also awakens in me a hunger to see God move in and through me to accomplish His purposes too. I find a fresh hope and courage arise. I hope you do too!

Prayer

Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the afflicted.
Show love to everyone.
Love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer,  1892, 1928, modified)