and burn incense.On seeing the angel, Zechariah was deeply troubled and fear took hold of
him. But the angel said to him, “Don‘t be afraid, Zechariah, be assured that your prayer has
been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you shall name him John. This son
of yours will be great in the eyes of the Lord. Listen: he shall never drink wine or strong drink;
but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother‘s womb.He, himself, will open
the way to the Lord, with the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I believe this? I am an old man and my wife is elderly,
too.“ The angel replied, “I am Gabriel, who stands before God; and I am the one sent to
speak to you, and to bring you this good news! My words will come true in their time. But
you would not believe; and now, you will be silent and unable to speak until this has
happened.“ When his time of service was completed, Zechariah returned home; and, some
time later, Elizabeth became pregnant.
Reflect
The Bible includes many stories of miraculous births where men and women who believed
that they were unable to bear children become parents by divine intervention. Today’s
readings announce two of these births, those of Samson and John the Baptist. Both sons
were dedicated to the Lord from their births, set apart from the moment of their conceptions.
Zechariah reacts to Gabriel’s announcement with doubt and questioning. Some people
wonder how Zechariah could have questioned the angel, but I find it easy to understand.
It’s much easier for us to believe bad things rather than good news. Too often we hear
these bad things from the people closest to us so they hurt all the more. When we hear
good things, we are afraid to hope and to trust that they are true. Perhaps we fear the
disappointment if they are not.
But Advent is a season of hope, a season to believe that God has plans to give us a
future full of hope and joy. God fulfilled his promise to save us by sending Christ. He
will bring us home to him. We can trust that God will be faithful.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023