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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Wednesday, December 23
Luke 1:67-80
by Kim Stevens
Out of context, it seems like Zechariah is shouting out the good news to a crowd, but I think we can better relate to Zechariah’s praises and joy once we put the passage into context. Zechariah was struck silent when he doubted that Elizabeth, his barren wife, was pregnant. He was only able to speak when everybody was urging that his son should be named Zechariah and he protested by writing on a tablet, “His name is John.” Immediately, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began prophesying about the mercy of God and about our salvation.
It’s easy to be like the silent Zechariah especially during the holidays. The many seasonal distractions, make it too easy to forget what it is we are all celebrating, and sometimes if we are hurting, it becomes difficult to believe the good news. The world is faced every day with terrible situations, and it can be exhausting, continually struggling to keep our spirits up. But I believe that God does find ways to come into our lives and remind us that we are saved.
In a way, like with Zechariah, this awareness of our salvation gives us the power to speak again. I think Advent is a good time to reflect on this renewal and a good time to remind ourselves of the power of God’s love.
Prayer
Lord, help to open our eyes, hearts, and minds during this Advent season so that we may be reminded of your love for us. Thank you for giving us so many gifts and especially for the gift of your son, Jesus. Amen.