Christian Reflection and Prayer

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)

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Read Luke 1:14-17. TEXT: "And he will turn many of the children
of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before Him....
" (Luke 1:16-17a).

The news Zechariah has heard from the angel is enough to make
his head spin. Not only will he finally become a father, his
miracle child will be a great prophet, bringing many of God's
people back to Him. But the angel is not finished yet. His son
John will "go before the Lord."

The reality behind these words is staggering. The time has finally
come. At last God is fulfilling His ancient promise to send the
Savior. The mighty, eternal Son of God is coming to His creation.
What a wondrous and amazing time to be alive! How much more
incredible to think their son, John, is God's hand-chosen prophet
to prepare the Jewish people for the Savior's coming. In fact, he
will point out the Messiah when He comes.

You and I also live in a remarkable time. In three weeks we will
remember and celebrate the wondrous birth of God's own Son.
In the upcoming months we will retrace His great works on our
behalf--including His suffering, death and resurrection, which
restored us to God, our Heavenly Father, and guaranteed
eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Christmas transforms you and me. Like John, the Holy Spirit
fills us, turning us back to God, and preparing us to share the
story of Jesus' salvation with the people in our lives. When we
tell others about Jesus, the Spirit prepares their hearts for His
coming as well.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for turning my heart back to You
through Your Son Jesus. Please send me to share the story
of Jesus' life so that Your Spirit may turn others to Him,
through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries)