Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read Luke 1:8-10

TEXT: "He was chosen by lot to enter the temple
of the Lord and burn incense." (Luke 1:9)

Do you have Christmas memories that are so
strong you can close your eyes and see, hear,
feel and smell them? For me one of those vivid
memories is singing "Silent Night" by candle light
in church on Christmas Eve. I can still smell the
hot wax, feel the warmth on my face, see the
flicker of the candle's flame, and hear the voices
blending together in beautiful harmony.

That's how clear Mary's memories were. She
remembers Herod was king of Judea at the time.
She can even name from which of the 24 divisions
of priests Zechariah belonged. Each of these
divisions worked two weeks out of the year at the
Jerusalem temple. Each afternoon the priests cast
lots to see who would enter the temple alone to
burn incense.

Mary recalls the day the lot fell to Zechariah. It may
have looked like luck or chance to us, but Zechariah
knew better. God was inviting him into His presence.
As Zechariah smelled the clouds of sweet, fragrant
incense rising to heaven, he knew God was pleased
with the prayers His people were offering to Him.
These were prayers which rose from hearts that
believed His ancient promise to send their Savior.

At Christmas we are often invited to other people's
houses. Sometimes we get the tremendous honor of
a special invitation. But God extends a much higher
invitation to us. Like Zechariah we can enter His
presence in His house. And not just once in a lifetime
can we do this, but every week. At the same time
He promises to make His home in us. What a great
privilege and honor to sit in God's presence and learn
about His saving love.

Prayer: Lord what a tremendous honor You give when
You invite us into Your house. Thank You for coming
to us and making Your home with us. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)