Luke 1:24-25
After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

There is a close connection between verses 23 and 24. Zechariah returning to his home after completing his term of service becomes more meaningful than it would be if viewed merely as the end of a little paragraph. Zechariah went home and Elizabeth became pregnant just as Gabriel had said.

The conception of John reminds us of the conception of Isaac (Gen. 21:1, 2). It took a miracle to open Sarah’s womb (Heb. 11:11, 12). This was also true in the case of Elizabeth (Luke 1:7, 18, 36, 37).

Elizabeth conceived, for God’s promises never fail.

Then she kept herself in seclusion five months. Many people believed barrenness was a sign of God’s disfavor. It seems clear she decided not to appear in public until people could see the Lord had looked upon her with favor and had removed from her the “disgrace” of barrenness. This would show she was, really, a very devout woman.

Now she can proclaim her pregnancy was a divine blessing bestowed upon her by God.

“The Lord has done this for me.” Blessings should not only be counted. They should be traced to the Giver, so that acknowledgment and thanksgiving can be given.

In your life what has God done for you which you need to acknowledge?