Christian Reflection and Prayer

And immediately his (Zechariah's) mouth was opened and
his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God (Luke 1:64).
Read Luke 1:64-66.

 

Squeezing together at Christmas time can put a strain on
even the closest of families. Cutting words can splinter and
scar a family for years. Perhaps this Christmas will see
empty places around your table -- and deep regret in your
heart.

 

Zechariah knew that regret well. Nine long months went by
since he spoke a word. Out of disappointment he last used
his voice to blurt out his doubts about the angel's promise.
Over the months his faith has been restored by the
wonderful things he has seen and experienced, but his last
words still echo in his mind.

 

But along with that echo are the words of the angel, "You
will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these
things take place" (Luke 1:20). One by one everything the
angel predicted has occurred, and now the last piece has
fallen into place: the child has been named John. In an
instant God restores his speech. And the first words from
Zechariah's mouth are words of blessing for the great
things God has done.

 

Each of us carries regret over hasty words we have said.
Perhaps you regret something you said to a loved one
now gone. Just remember Jesus Christ came in the
manger to win forgiveness for that sin. Because He died
and rose again, we have new hope and new life. It's a hope
that through Christ Jesus our fractured relationships will be
repaired. We hope for this to take place in this life but even
if it doesn't, for all who believe, it will in the never-ending life
we will enjoy together when Jesus Christ returns.

 

THE PRAYER:

 Heavenly Father, heal the wounds I caused by my hasty,
hurting words; restore the relationships I have damaged,
and fill me with peace and joy for Jesus' sake. I pray in His
Name. Amen.

 

(Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

And he (Zechariah) asked for a writing tablet and wrote,
"His name is John." ... (Luke 1:63a). Read Luke 1:57-63.

 

When I was a child presents didn't show up under our
tree until Christmas morning. When my wife was a child
they were there Christmas Eve after church. We knew
when our first child came along that one of us would be
starting a new tradition.

 

Something new was about to happen in Zechariah's
family. The time finally came and Elizabeth gave birth to
a son. Eight days later it was time to circumcise and
name him. Zechariah's neighbors and family wanted to
name him after his father, but Elizabeth refused.
Clinging to the words of the angel to Zechariah, she
said his name was to be John.

 

This puzzled the friends and relatives. It was traditional
to name sons after their father or another family member.
But Elizabeth stood firm. Her child's name would
transcend family relations. He was not just a gift to his
family, but to the whole world.

 

When the neighbors turned to Zechariah, they began
asking him what name he wanted to give the child.
Zechariah immediately got his writing tablet and
confidently wrote, "His name is John."

 

What a difference from nine months ago. Then he was
filled with doubt, skepticism and hopelessness. The time
John was growing in Elizabeth's womb, and those three
months with Mary and her special Child were more than
enough to renew Zechariah's flagging faith. Now with
great confidence and boldness, Zechariah gives his son
the name the angel had said.

 

Jesus makes that transformation in our lives too. By the
salvation won by His life, death and resurrection, He
drives away our doubts, fears and cynicism, and fills us
with courage, joy and faith.

 

THE PRAYER:

 

 Heavenly Father, thank You for bearing with our doubts
and fears. For Jesus' sake, fill us with confidence, hope
and faith that we may trust You and serve one another.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

(Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

And Mary remained with her about three months and
returned to her home (Luke 1:56)

 

When we first gather with family at Christmas, it's a
wonderful feeling. But after a few days together, we
begin to notice those things that got on our nerves
as kids and how they still get on our nerves today.
We can manage a couple of days all right, but three
months would be out of the question.

But three months was perfect for Mary, Elizabeth
and Zechariah. They probably would have stayed
together longer if they could. The women talked
about God's plans for their sons, while Zechariah
listened in. These were great days. It is a truly
wonderful experience to spend time together with
people who share your interests and your
fascination with the great things God is doing.

 

Of course, just as our Christmas gatherings must
eventually come to an end, the time finally came
for Mary to return home as well.

 

Our Christmas gatherings can be powerful
glimpses of the great joy those who believe in
Jesus Christ as Savior will enjoy in heaven. We
will get along perfectly, because God will remove
the sin that turns us against each other. Until that
day, we can enjoy more harmonious gatherings,
because Jesus has already begun His work in us,
taking away our sins and God's wrath and making
us new creatures in His image.

 

That process will finally be completed when Jesus
Christ returns to earth on Judgment Day. Then He
will make us perfect. We will live together in joy
and peace in God's presence forever, sharing even
greater delights than Mary, Elizabeth and Zechariah
enjoyed during those three wonderful months together.

THE PRAYER:

 

 Heavenly Father, thank You for gathering us as
Your family in Jesus Christ Your Son. Purify our
hearts that we may enjoy our time together this
Christmas -- looking to the eternal pleasure of being
together in Your presence. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)