Counting the Days: December 19, 2023
Pastors Reggie & Sharrean McCrimmon
The Life Center, Fayetteville, N.C.
MU Adopt-A-Hall Program
With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.’
Reflection
This passage from Luke’s gospel encourages reflection on faith, doubt, and preparation, drawing from the experience of Zechariah to resonate with our own spiritual journey during Advent. In Luke 1:17-25, we witness a profound interplay of doubt and divine promise. This passage introduces Zechariah, who, despite his unwavering service to God, struggles with disbelief when an angel announces the birth of his son, John the Baptist. This story is not just a narrative of an ancient promise; it mirrors our journey of faith, particularly during Advent.
First, we see Zechariah, a righteous man, yet he falters at the promise of a son in his old age. His doubt reflects our own moments of uncertainty. How often do we question God’s plan when it deviates from our expectations or understanding? Advent invites us to embrace the unexpected, and to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus despite our doubts and uncertainties. Then, there’s the imposed silence on Zechariah—a divine pause. This silence is not a punishment, but rather a time for reflection and growth.
In the bustling season of Advent, we too are called to find moments of silence, to ponder the miracle of Christ’s birth, and to prepare our hearts for His coming. The birth of John the Baptist, as foretold to Zechariah, sets the stage for the coming of Jesus. John’s role was to prepare the way for the Lord, and in Advent, we are reminded to do the same. This season is an opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus, just as John prepared the way for Him in his lifetime.
Lord, in this Advent season, help us trust in Your promises, find strength in moments of doubt, and prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Amen.