When the Impossible happens

The safe landing on the Hudson River

Good Day, God!

Impossible things DO happen. And if we notice that they have happened, we respond with joy and awe. We certainly rejoiced at the safe landing of the US Airways plane on Jan. 15, 2009, on the Hudson River!

Two thousand years ago, as told in the first chapter of Luke, came another “impossible” event: Zechariah and his wife have a son in their old age, just as the angel Gabriel had foretold.

Because Zechariah expressed doubt,  his ability to speak was cut off at that moment — all the way through the pregnancy. When it came time to name his son, he had to write out “His name is John!”  Immediately Zechariah’s voice returns, and he bursts forth into praise and prophesying.

My favorite part comes right at the end where he says:

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the Morning Light from Heaven is about to break upon us, to give Light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the Path of Peace.”

These are glorious words, God. I love them. I hope You don’t mind if I use them “out of context,” so to speak, and as a prayer.

Thank You, God, that because of Your Tender Mercy, The Morning Light from Heaven shines on us — giving Light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Guide us, Oh God, to the Path of Peace.

That’s a good way to greet each new day.