Luke 1:1-25

In our culture of “reality TV”, self-disclosure and 15 minutes of fame, sitting quietly with our joys and sorrows and pondering their meaning and purpose is rarely modeled. Abraham Lincoln’s famous statement seems to fit: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” 

Luke’s opening story offers spiritual wisdom: even when confronted with great news, there may be a time to keep silence. Zechariah himself had no choice in the matter. His first blurts to Gabriel got him into trouble! Elizabeth, however, chose her silence. 

Holy God, many are the times I’ve regretted saying something too soon, before meaning and purpose were discerned, all in a foolish hope to appear wise or in charge, when only you are really in charge. Teach me when to keep silence and when to speak. Amen.

Rev. David Mullen