Zechariah Is Unable To Speak
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away disgrace I have endured among my people.”
The scripture in Luke 1:18-25 serves as a reminder to remain steadfast, prioritize faith, and focus on the right next step. Even when we fall short, God’s grace will still surround us and ultimately God’s plans will be realized, and the right next step will occur.
This is particularly relevant for my everyday life. I can often get caught in feelings of high or low and convince myself that life, work or family is going in the “right” or “wrong” direction for that snapshot of time. I can get lost in the everyday hustle of kids, work and self-interest and forget to be active in my expressions of faith. I may remember to be prayerful during “hard” times, but often forget during the “good” times. While the passage may suggest the opposite problem, the important part is to remember to have faith at all times. This passage reminds me to be full of faith – whether in times of pain or joy, whether passive or active. Even in the moments when I lose my way, God will provide me with opportunities to refocus and restate my faith.
-Drew Gilbert
Grace and Peace,
As we enter the Advent season, we begin our wait for the coming Messiah. This year’s devotional offers a daily passage of scripture and a reflection written by a member of our congregation. I am so grateful to all those who contributed and worked on this project. It is our intention that these daily devotionals become a way to connect with our church and our Creator in meaningful ways.
I hope this devotional book becomes a part of your daily Advent celebration and study. While Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, it is also a time of change and beginning of something new. God turned the world upside down when God sent Christ into the world. So we encourage you to think of Advent as a time of comfort and joy but also a chance to see the world and God’s word anew as we wait on Emmanuel – God with us.
Robert Galloway
Associate Pastor for Christian Formation