Luke chapter 1

vs 21

So obviously this was taking longer than it usually did.

vs 22

So Zechariah did some charades with the other people (*flapping wings, big ass sword, stomp stomp stomp, scaredy scaredy*) but even after that, he couldn't speak. This in itself is a sign something's going to happen, surely.

vs 23

He still finished his job! Even without being able to speak. Good on him.

vs 24

Way to go Zech! Even without being able to talk, he could still do the nasty, and God was faithful to his word. Why did she remain in seclusion? I have no idea.

vs 25

It's true - in that culture, if you didn't have children, you were shamed. Is this the culture we really want to rest our beliefs on? Where they shame a woman for not having kids with her husband? Woo, well done to them. Anyway, that's not her point - her point is that God has helped her out of her predicament.

vs 26

Gabriel's back! This time in Nazereth.

vs 27

Aww, it's the virgin Mary.

I have heard arguments that Mary is in the line of David too. Fair enough, but Luke doesn't make that point. He makes the point that it's Joseph that is in the line of David.

vs 28

This is a pretty special greeting, and yes, Mary is a pretty special woman. She's no deity or anything like that. But she is unique, and in a highly favoured way.

vs 29

She was troubled (angel just appeared) but also confused (about the greeting). I mean, she's just a girl about to be married. I guess that's pretty favoured? But lots of people get married. Perhaps she's snagged a real looker in Joseph, but perhaps not.

vs 30

Once again, don't be afraid features large. But the mention of her finding favour with God also features again. Here's the next player in our game.