Luke 1:19 “The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.”

How we receive our news has changed over the years.  Today we get text messages, email and phone calls.  Letters were a great tool of communicating news and occasionally we might still get one, but they are unexpected.  I am certain Zechariah was not expecting anyone while he was performing his duties at the temple.  He was simply going about his task of offering the incense to the Lord in the sanctuary which is a solitary task when he is surprised and frightened to see someone there.  He receives the good news that he and Elizabeth will have a baby.  I wonder as I think about this passage, how much news we miss because we are not looking for the unexpected.  If the message doesn't come through on our computer, phone or TV, how often do we miss it?  God is a god of relationships. He might use technology to speak to us but He prefers face time.  As we enter this day in December, I encourage us to keep our eyes and ears open for the unexpected.  God has something to say to us too.   Let’s listen and look, ready to receive what He has for us.

Lord,

Thank you for seeking us out.  Thank you for sending messengers, people and whatever you can to get our attention and hear your messages for us.  Help us be open to receive what you have to say to us today.  Amen.