Reflection for December 19
Family Retreat 2025
Elizabeth and Zechariah — a Miracle Story. Blessed by God and, in a vision, confirmed by the angel Gabriel. “Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” When this happened, “Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.” He knew this was “impossible.” His wife was barren, and both were advanced in years. We all need to remember — nothing is Impossible with God.
For me, it is easy to be fearful. For me there is a spectrum where I live — Faith on the one end and Fear on the other end. The more I can lean on Faith, the less fearful I become. I need to continue to pray more for that Faith. Fear can diminish our lives and keep us from living the fruitful life God wants for us.
The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.” I love the song we sing many times — “Be Not Afraid.” The lyrics really touch me —“Be Not Afraid, I go before you always, come, follow me and I will give you rest.” It helps when I can remember these words.
What Elizabeth and Zechariah received was a gift. For me, I receive many gifts, some small, some large, some noticed, some unnoticed. My challenge is noticing these gifts and taking time to be grateful. I need to pray and be more spiritually aware of the gifts I receive and to be more grateful and remember to say thank you. I write each evening the five things that I am grateful for that day.
I also pray every day that God will be with me and help me to be the person He wants me to be.
Where are you on the spectrum of Faith and Fear?
Do you notice and are you grateful for the gifts you receive?
Tom Goodrum