This week, as the historical details surrounding the entrance of God into human history as Jesus Christ unfolds, we are introduced to some rich personalities. Herod is the definition of pride and power. Elizabeth and Zechariah are the picture of humility and integrity. And, God works through natural means (the dice roll in Zechariah’s favor) and supernatural means (sending the angel Gabriel) to accomplish his will. All of this is to set the stage for the coming of John the Baptizer who leads the parade preparing the people for the coming of his cousin Jesus.