Silent delight and peace

Gospel: Lk 1:57-66
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122324.cfm

Today’s gospel we learn about the birth of John the Baptist. HIs birth was quite a community event. Neighbors and family rejoiced for Elizabeth being able to have a son at such an old age. People were shocked that he was given a new name, not a family member’s name. They were then amazed that Zachariah agreed with the name. After Zachariah shared his story and blessing, they were filled with awe and proclaimed the good news of John far and wide. They wondered about what the child would become.

Jesus’s beginning does not have quite the same fanfare. It was not a community event but was secluded with strangers visiting. These strangers were shepherds and wise men from afar. Both groups came because of mystical experiences they had that led them there. While there wasn’t any significant celebration, there was a heavenly multitude singing praise. To most people in the region, it was just another day, but John’s birth was a multi-day celebration. The miracle of Jesus goes unnoticed, but the miracle of John is praised.

How amazing is it that God chose to come this way! Not just unrecognized, but born in a feed trough for animals. Not just overlooked but rejected from having a room. And still in the midst of the unseen, the heavens sang out in praise.

Our spiritual experience and connection to God is not bound to the outside world. God touches us like a baby in a manger. From the outside it can seem messy and imperfect, but it is deeply a place of silent delight and peace.

Help us to find your joy in the silence of how you came into the world. Amen.