After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people." (Luke 1: 24-25)

Like Elizabeth, most of us are sure - good or bad - that "this is what the Lord has done for me."

What a contrast to both Zechariah and Elizabeth is the annunciation story that Luke inserts here. When Gabriel brings weirdly wonderful and deeply troubling news to her, Mary responds, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."

John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. It was not God's way of vindicating their pride or even soothing their sorrow.

I am constantly learning and relearning that the universe does not revolve around me. I have a role to play, but it has been modest and indirect.

Whatever we encounter, may we find the humble wisdom to respond, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."