In this message, Pastor Eric reflects on the story of the birth and naming of John (the Baptist), within the larger story of both Elizabeth and Zechariah's journey of grief, suffering, shame, weariness, and hopelessness and that of the brutal world in which they lived.
The words and actions of Elizabeth and Zechariah reveals a profound transformation from where they began. How did that transformation happen? Namely, what role might wonder and awe have played in it for them--just, as scripture says, it does for the crowd gathered for the ritual circumcision and naming ceremony? What role might it play for us and our world as we journey through our own weariness in search of joy?
