THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT (C) : Thursday 19th December 2024

The Book of Judges relates to us that during the
reign of the Philistines over the Israelites, an angel of
the Lord came to visit a couple. The story of the birth of
Samson to the couple is one of obedience and sacrifice,
as well as a miracle. Manoah and his wife had no
children, but God chose Manoah’s barren wife to bear
Samson. However, there were conditions – the angel
said that she was not to eat anything unclean nor to
drink wine or any strong drink. She was also given rules
for her son: he was not to let a razor touch his hair – he
would be a Nazirite so he too would not drink wine. We
are told that Samson grew and was blessed by the Lord.

Luke’s Gospel tells another story of God choosing
a barren woman to bear an important son. But this time
the angel appeared to Zechariah and not to the woman.
Again, the child was never to drink wine or strong
drink. One unique message was that the child would be
filled with the Holy Spirit even while in Elizabeth’s
womb. When we think of this, we are reminded of how
Luke wrote that when Mary visited Elizabeth before the
birth of their sons, Elizabeth’s child “leaped in her
womb”. In those days it was shameful to be a barren
woman, but God blessed these two women and removed
their shame to reform the slumbering people of God.

Lord, help me to wholeheartedly conform to Your
will and way.