If God showed up at your door right now and handed you a gift, would you take it?

Think for a minute before you answer…seams like a no brainer, but …

Zechariah was a priest who was confronted by an angel, and he was “startled and gripped with fear.” (Luke 1:12). The angel brought him a gift – news that even though he and his wife Elizabeth were well past childbearing years, Elizabeth would become pregnant and have a little boy they would name John. God had big plans for John.

Personally, I’d vote for a puppy.

Puppies bring enough chaos right? Chewing up furniture and house training and dog hair… that’s plenty.

But a baby? Babies change everything! Zechariah and Elizabeth had had a long life together – a routine. Not only were they going to have a baby, but Zechariah was getting this news from an angel for God’s sake. I think I’d be a little gripped with fear myself.

In fact, I have been. In some form or another God does show up bearing gifts. All kinds of gifts. Some are easy to accept, like answered prayers. Others are wrapped in mystery and topped off with a bow of oh no, this will change everything.

Accepting is our challenge. What would it look like to receive God’s plans with open hands and childlike joy?