The Twenty Fourth Day of Advent, 2016

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

[Gabriel] said to [Zechariah], “Do not be afraid Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.”  Luke1:13

I’ve been trying to imagine what must have gone on in the mind of Zechariah when he heard Gabriel speak to him.

Zechariah was a priest, and he knew that in years past God had spoken to men – even to a few women – directly or through angels. But for many years, God had not spoken! There is no record in that huge expanse of inter-testamental years that God said a single word! For about four hundred years!

Now, out of the blue, as he is in prayer, devout Zechariah hears an incredible message, brought to him by none other than the angel Gabriel! Is it any wonder that he is shocked beyond belief and could not speak for nine months? He must have wanted to run from the temple telling everyone not only that Gabriel had spoken, but that his message was wonderful! But he could not! For nine months, he could not speak. God was about to do something spectacular. At last He had spoken and poor Zechariah had been stricken dumb!

Father, today it’s not that you don’t speak; it’s that I don’t listen! Please forgive me! I don’t want to be struck dumb as Zechariah was. I want to hear you as you remind me of the miracle that you began 2000 years ago. I know you speak it clearly through your Word. I want to hear that Christmas message with fresh awareness this year. Please, Lord! Amen

And Then It Was Christmas: A Journey Toward Christmas
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, 2006,
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator.