His Name Is John: A Gospel Reflection for December 23, 2025 - Luke 1:57-66

As we stand just two days before Christmas, today's gospel brings us to a pivotal moment in salvation history: the birth and naming of John the Baptist. This passage reminds us that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, requiring courage and obedience from those He calls.

A Joyful Birth

When Elizabeth gave birth to her son, the neighborhood rejoiced with her. After years of childlessness and the shame that accompanied it in her culture, God had shown her great mercy. The community gathered to celebrate this miraculous gift, a baby born to parents well beyond childbearing years.

Breaking with Tradition

Then came the moment of naming. According to custom, the child should have been named Zechariah after his father. It was expected, traditional, and seemingly the right thing to do. But Elizabeth spoke up clearly: "No, he is to be called John."

The neighbors were confused. No one in their family had that name. Why break with tradition? They turned to Zechariah, still unable to speak after his encounter with the angel Gabriel months earlier.

Obedience Brings Freedom

Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote simply: "His name is John." In that moment of obedience to God's specific instruction, his tongue was loosed. He who had been silenced for doubting God's promise now burst forth in praise.

What This Means for Us

This gospel speaks powerfully to our own lives. Sometimes God's plans don't align with our expectations or traditions. We may face pressure from others to conform, to do what's always been done, to follow the comfortable path.

But like Elizabeth and Zechariah, we're called to obedience even when it doesn't make sense to those around us. We're called to trust that God's naming, God's calling, God's purpose for our lives is better than what we or others might choose for ourselves.

Preparing the Way

John would grow up to be the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus. His very existence was a testimony to God's faithfulness. Before he could speak a single word, before he could baptize anyone, his birth itself proclaimed that God keeps His promises.

As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth in just two days, let us remember that preparation sometimes requires us to break with expectations. It asks us to say "yes" to God's plan, even when others question it. And when we do, like Zechariah, we find our voices freed to praise the God who does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

A Question to Ponder

What is God calling you to name, to claim, or to proclaim that might go against the expectations of others? Where is He asking you to trust His plan over tradition?

May we have the courage of Elizabeth and the obedient faith of Zechariah as we await the coming of our Savior.