Thought for the Week

As we approach the Christmas Season, I’d like us to think about some of the Biblical personalities in the Story. It would be easy to remember them and not think they were real. But, they were. They had bodies, minds, spirit-souls, just like we do. I’d like to lead our thoughts to consider their emotions. I start with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were getting old. They were a godly couple and served God faithfully but God had not granted one of their chief prayer requests. They had no children. One day, while Zechariah was serving God in his temple duties, he was confronted by the Angel Gabriel, who said God had heard their prayers and was about to answer by giving them a son. The son was to be named John and a prediction of his future was given. Zechariah seemed to doubt the possibility because of their age. Gabriel said Zechariah would not be able to speak until the child was born. It was so. I expect when Zechariah completed his duties at the temple and went home there was a time for the two of them to communicate about what had happened and what was on their horizon. Certainly there must have been great excitement and joy. There were likely other emotions experienced. Part of Gabriel’s prophecy was the boy would exhibit the spirit and power of Elijah. If Zechariah had his own copies of Biblical scrolls, or if he searched those from the synagogue, he would have examined what it would mean for his son John to have the spirit and power of Elijah. He would know what might lie ahead for John and it would not all be easy or pleasant. Elijah opposed the evils of a wicked king and queen. So would John. Parents have hopes and dreams for their children. Can we imagine a prayer meeting of Zechariah and Elizabeth: “Lord, give our son a healthy, happy, prosperous, long, life.” Or would it rather be, “Lord, help our son to fulfill faithfully the life-assignment You have given him, no matter what the cost, so You will be glorified by his living.” Scripture spoke of Elijah’s faithfulness to stand strong for the glory of God and in opposition of evil. Was this what Zechariah and Elizabeth pray for as well? Is that what your parents prayed for your life? Is that what you have prayed for the lives of your children? Christmas is a time for hoping, wishing, and dreaming. Let us be careful to do that for our lives and for the lives of our children, grandchildren, and the children in our lives. God has a perfect plan for the life of everyone born into this world. Let us pray God’s will be done here on earth as His will is and will be done in Heaven. John served as the forerunner (herald) for Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. It was a worthy goal for John. It is a worthy goal for us as well: to tell others about Jesus’ and the love of God for all of us. Pray for God to use us.

Scriptures to Read

I Kings 17:29-33

I Kings 18:1-2, 15-21

I Kings 18:22-45

St. Luke 2:5-18

St. Luke 2:19-25

St. Luke 2:57-66

St. Luke 2:67-80