Part 1 of 3 on the messages from the angels bringing news of Jesus’ birth.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
Luke 1:11-15a New International Version
As we go into Christmas weekend 2020, I’m reading the account of the birth of Jesus in Luke 1 and 2. I’m starting in Luke 1 since one of the important things about Jesus’ birth was that it was announced by angels.
In the account above, an angel named Gabriel appears to Zechariah, a descendant of Aaron and one of the divisions assigned for duty at the temple two times a year for a week each time (see 1 Chronicles 24:7-18). Since there were many priests in each division, lots were cast for those who would serve by offering incense in the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s likely that by having his lot drawn that this was the only time in Zechariah’s lifetime that he would have the honor of serving at the altar of incense. This was an important once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present the incense offering to God, representing the prayers of His people.
God chooses this unique time to send a message by his angel, Gabriel. Gabriel tells Zechariah to not be afraid and that his prayer had been heard: his barren wife will give birth to a son, who they were to name John, which means “Jehovah is a Gracious Giver”. John must follow a holy lifestyle set apart for his mission, to “bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:16). John was to go on before the Lord to prepare the people for the Lord’s message.
Zechariah questions Gabriel: how can this be since he and his wife are now old? Gabriel tells him only that he was sent to give him this good news and that since Zechariah did not believe, he would remain silent until the events were fulfilled. Zechariah returns home from his duty at the Temple and waits for the birth of his son, also receiving a visit from his wife’s relative, Mary (more on that later).
When the child is born and taken to be circumcised, they assume he will be named Zechariah after his father, but Elizabeth tells them his name will be John and they look to Zechariah to confirm it. Zechariah writes on a tablet “his name is John”, fulfilling the words of the angel, and his mouth is opened and he “began to speak, praising God” (Luke 1:64).
As we go in to the Christmas season and look back on the many challenges we faced in 2020, do we also look for the words that God is speaking to us. Do not be afraid! God wants to bless us and bring us good news. Like Zechariah, we may look at the ways things are impossible for us, but we need to believe that to God all things are possible. God wants us to see how He is preparing us for His message, the good news of Jesus.
For today, take time to pray that your heart is prepared for seeking Jesus during the holidays and for growing closer to God in the new year. Pray to have a heart that believes in God’s miracles and blessings instead of doubting what we see as impossible.