The last couple of mornings at home have been pure delight.  

Cup of coffee, natural gas "wood" stove on, Christmas tree lights creating ambience as I listen to a devotional.  Luke chapter 1.  The pre-Christmas events leading up to the birth of the baby Jesus.

I have read and re-read this account.   Pastor Bill has ministered with daily devotionals and gives leadership to at least two or maybe three Churches in the Yorkton area.  Some of the insights he shared have really blessed me as I focus on preparing my heart for  Christmas.

Gabriel appeared to Zechariah.  Who would have guessed that while Zechariah was going about his normal duties at the temple, he was chosen by lot to offer the incense.  The burning of incense was part of the worship, symbolizing the prayers of God's people rising up to Him.  I never noticed before that when the angel spoke to Zechariah, he said, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard..." (Luke 1:13).  So what was Zechariah praying?

We assume he was praying for a son.  And yet, the announcement of Elizabeth becoming pregnant and having a son did not produce the joy or assurance we would expect.  

Was he praying the rote prayers of the Jewish faith?  Maybe he was reciting the psalms and the ritual words repeated by every priest.  But the angel specifically acknowledged that Zechariah's prayer had been heard...what prayer?

I am not that knowledgeable about the Jewish religious practices, but I know that the one prayer that was always offered, the one longing of every believing Hebrew, is for the Messiah.  The One promised to deliver Israel.

In promising a child to Zechariah and Elizabeth, this was part of the fulfillment of the coming of the Messiah.  Their son was a miracle.  And he wasn't going to be named for his father or any other family name.  The angel declared he would be named "John."  He would turn many in Israel toward the coming Messiah and prepare the way.  

An answer to prayer!  John would be born and then the Messiah would come!

Pastor Bill also shared the appearance of Gabriel to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  He noted how Zechariah was doubtful of the angel's pronouncement that he and Elizabeth would bear a son in their old age.  He bore a consequence for doubting: silence for the duration of the pregnancy!  To contrast, Mary responded with a question about "how" she could become pregnant when she was still a virgin.  She did not doubt God, but wondered at the logistics.  She wanted to be part of  the Lord's plan for the redemption of Israel.  She surrendered.  She trusted.

The Christmas story will never grow old to me!  I hope you also, find great joy in the mystery of the Incarnate Christ, the Son of God and son of man.