Luke 1:5-7
“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.”
If you know the Christmas story, then you know the ending for Zechariah and Elizabeth. If not, let me tell you.
Zechariah and Elizabeth longed to have a child. In the culture of the day, it was shameful for a couple not to have a child. People may have wondered what sin they had committed that the Lord would not bless them with a child. I wonder if that is why Luke is specific in describing them as “righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Could that be said of you or me? I will answer for both of us, NO.
This couple served the Lord. Zechariah’s occupation was being a priest. He worked in the temple. He taught the people God’s law. His whole life was about serving the Lord. And yet, the Lord had not answered the cry of their heart to have a child. At this point in their lives, I am guessing, they had stopped asking the Lord for a child. They were too old to conceive. In fact, Luke tells us they were very old. How would you like to be recorded in the Bible as very old?
Do you have something you have been asking the Lord for? Maybe you have been asking for a long time? Maybe things are looking like there is just no way He will answer with a yes. If that is you, then hang in there.
Christmas is about hope. Humanity was lost and then in an instant it all changed. Hope entered the world. This Christmas expect with great anticipation God’s gift to you. God’s offering of hope to a dying world. God’s plan of salvation for all who believe. God’s greatest act of love.
