Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Written by: Anita Bergh
Readings: Luke 1:57-80
In the sugar plantations of Trinidad, the first African slaves were forbidden to talk to each other, so they broke their silence by singing songs. This " calypso" music was their way to communicate. Years later, in 1973, four of us were walking along a dirt mountain road in Trinidad when we met a man carrying a ukulele. He broke the silence of our strangeness to ask our names. Then, in calypso fashion, he sang about each of us and folded us into his praise of God. We carry the memory of his blessing to this day.
We have just read of Zechariah who was tongue-tied for 9 months until his son was born. He named him "John", a Hebrew name that meant "God is gracious", before bursting forth in song. In almost calypso fashion he sang of his son, his place in life, and folded him into the blessing and grace of God. I said, "almost calypso fashion" because the man we saw for just a few minutes in Trinidad seemed to interpret our names to mean "God is gracious". He sooo affirmed our lives that he placed a melody of praise in our hearts. What remarkable evangelism!
Heavenly Father, we sing your praises in grateful song. Help us to always sing forth praises to you to the whole world. Amen.
Family Moments:
Wednesday: Week 4, Zechariah, Anticipation, Pencil and Tablet
(verse 63&64) John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin – sent by God to prepare the way for Christ. John’s father, Zechariah, didn’t believe when the Angel Gabriel proclaimed that John would be born. This resulted in Zechariah being mute for the entire pregnancy of John. When John was 8 days old Zechariah asked for a tablet (since he couldn’t talk) to tell everyone to name the child John. Make a list of people who don’t have a voice – children, the poor, etc. Pray for them and think of ways you can be their voice. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
Heavenly Father, we sing your praises in grateful song. Help us to always sing forth praises to you to the whole world. Amen.
Family Moments:
Wednesday: Week 4, Zechariah, Anticipation, Pencil and Tablet
(verse 63&64) John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin – sent by God to prepare the way for Christ. John’s father, Zechariah, didn’t believe when the Angel Gabriel proclaimed that John would be born. This resulted in Zechariah being mute for the entire pregnancy of John. When John was 8 days old Zechariah asked for a tablet (since he couldn’t talk) to tell everyone to name the child John. Make a list of people who don’t have a voice – children, the poor, etc. Pray for them and think of ways you can be their voice. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment