The softening and surrender of hard hearts is a work of wonder.
Opening prayer
Bless to me, O God, The earth beneath my foot, Bless to me, O God, The path whereon I go.Garmina Gadelica
The story continues…
"He'll drink neither wine nor beer. He'll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother's womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God." Zachariah said to the angel, "Do you expect me to believe this? I'm an old man and my wife is an old woman." But the angel said, "I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won't believe me, you'll be unable to say a word until the day of your son's birth. Every word I've spoken to you will come true on time—God's time." (Luke 1:15-20)
Silence and Imaginative exercise
Imagine yourself in the story. Who are you? Cycle through your senses. What do you see, touch, taste, hear and smell? (5 minutes?)
Question
To what or whom am I turning?
Closing Blessing
Be a bright flame before me, Be a guiding star above me, Be a smooth path below me, And be a kindly shepherd behind me, To-day, to-night, and for ever. Garmina Gadelica