January 4, 2026 - Day 4

This harmonized reading continues the flood narrative in Genesis and places the early events of Jesus' life from Luke's Gospel here to connect the new beginning of humanity after the flood with the new beginning brought by the Messiah.Genesis 8:1-9:29- Describes God remembering Noah, the waters receding, the ark resting on Ararat, Noah sending out birds to test the land, and the family exiting the ark with God's command to multiply.- Records God's covenant with Noah and all creation (symbolized by the rainbow), never to flood the earth again, Noah's farming, an incident with Ham, and the table of nations descending from Noah's sons.Luke 1:5-25- Introduces Zechariah, a righteous priest, and his barren wife Elizabeth; during his temple service, the angel Gabriel announces they will have a son named John who will prepare the way for the Lord.- Zechariah doubts due to their old age, is struck mute as a sign, completes his service, and Elizabeth conceives, rejoicing that her reproach is removed.