Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 1:21-23. TEXT: And the people were waiting
for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in
the temple (Luke 1:21).

Advent Each morning and evening a priest offered the
burnt offering on the altar that stood outside the temple
building. Then a second priest entered the temple to burn
incense. Normally, this incense offering was very brief.
After burning the incense upon the altar of incense, the
priest stepped back through the doors to pronounce the
blessing upon the gathered worshippers standing outside.

But this afternoon Zechariah is delayed. Everyone
standing outside begins to wonder why. Of course, we
know it took time for the angel Gabriel to make his
announcement, for Zechariah to voice his doubts, and
for Gabriel to answer them.

Finally, Zechariah steps out through the doors, but he
can't give the benediction. He stands silent, making signs
to them. Soon the people realize something has
happened. From his signs they gather the priest has seen
a vision in the temple.

This is remarkable, for more than 400 years since the
close of the Old Testament writings, God has remained
silent. He has raised no prophet to speak to His people.
Could it be that God is now ready to beginning stirring
things up again?

As Christmas draws nearer, God is ready to start shaking
things up. But first He wants to work in your heart to
prepare you to receive the Messiah who is coming to take
away your sin, doubt, fear and death.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, make my heart, mind and spirit ready to
celebrate with joy the birth of Your dear Son Jesus so that
I may boldly and gladly share His joyous salvation wherever
I go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Luke 1:19-20. TEXT: (Gabriel said) "And behold, you
will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these
things take place, because you did not believe my words
(Luke 1:20a).

Advent 2015 What could possibly cause Zechariah to
challenge the angel's wonderful promise? Is he trying to
protect himself from further disappointment? Is he nursing
his grief or shielding his shattered dreams?

Our heartaches and bitter grief can close our ears to the
good news that in the Christ Child born in Bethlehem God
Himself has come to forgive us and heal the brokenness of
our lives. Our fears can steal our hope, dim our confidence,
and blind us to the joyous light of our Lord's presence
among us. They can smother the joy of Christmas.

The angel quickly silences the doubts of the aged priest.
"I am Gabriel." Surely, hearing that name must have made
a deep impression on Zechariah. Gabriel first appeared in
the Bible between 550 and 600 years before, bringing
several divine messages to the great prophet Daniel (see
Daniel 8:15-26; 9:20-27).

But the angel goes beyond his famous name Gabriel. He
adds, "I stand in the presence of God." Gabriel didn't make
up this gracious message. It came straight from the mouth
of God Himself. "I was sent to speak to you and to bring
you this good news."

The punishment for Zechariah's unbelief will be difficult--to
watch all these wonderful things unfold before him--but to
remain speechless.

This Christmas we again hear the good tidings of great joy--
God's own Son has been born for you, for me, for all. Don't
cling to past doubts, anger or disappointment like Zechariah,
but take God at His Word and amazing wonders will unfold
before your eyes.

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, break through my disbelief and fear and
open my eyes to the wonder of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my
Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Genesis 18:1-2, 9-15. TEXT: And Zechariah said to
the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man,
and my wife is advanced in years" (Luke 1:18).

The angel has given Zechariah tremendous news. He
should be overjoyed, unable to contain his delighted
laughter. Instead, filled with disbelief and skepticism he
mutters, "How shall I know this?"

Surely the priest remembers--or at least he ought to
remember--that this isn't the first time God promised a
baby to a childless, elderly couple. Abraham and Sarah--
the father and mother of the Jewish people--had received
a similar promise when he was 75 (see Genesis 12:4),
and she was 65. They had to wait another 25 years before
God's promise was fulfilled--but in time it was fulfilled. In
fact, the baby's name Isaac meant "laughter" because
Sarah had laughed with disbelief at God's promise
(see Genesis 18:12).

The pages of the Old Testament boldly testified to
Zechariah of God's mighty power to bring life from a dead
womb. Numerous couples--previously childless--
miraculously became parents of special children who
played extremely important roles for God's people: Jacob
and Rachel had Joseph; Elkanah and Hannah had Samuel;
Manoah and his unnamed wife had Samson. Zechariah
and Elizabeth's son would play an even more important
role--ushering in the ministry of God's very own Son.

And still, with all the history of God's miraculous
interventions before him, Zechariah can't believe it. In fact,
he refuses to believe it.

Have life experiences battered you down and lowered
your expectations of what God can do in your world? This
Christmas season is all about miracles--God stepping
into our circumstances and doing things we could never
expect--like taking our place under His wrath and opening
heaven to us.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, forgive my disbelief when Your promises
seem too good to be true. This Christmas remove my
doubt and increase my faith--and my joy. In Jesus'
Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)