Luke 1:5-25
Growing up, my family waited to exchange gifts on Christmas morning. When I was 11 years old, however, I decided to search for my presents before Christmas. I found all of the gifts hidden in the closet and opened
every single gift placed under the tree for me. After we finished opening gifts on Christmas day, my mother asked me, “Was it worth it?” I learned a valuable lesson that day (beyond the fact that mothers really do know everything). The anticipation of good gifts in the days leading up to Christmas day is exciting and it is worth the wait to receive a special, unexpected gift.
In Luke 1:5-25, Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, confirms that Zechariah’s prayers for a child have been heard and will be answered. Rather than responding with joy and thanksgiving, Zechariah fears the angel’s appearance and doubts the good news. Zechariah’s disbelief is anchored in his experiences. After years of barrenness, Zechariah viewed his circumstances as hopeless and needed evidence of God’s promise. Zechariah may have felt forgotten, unworthy, or overlooked waiting so long for a prayer to be realized. The truth is God always has a better plan than what we can imagine or ask for and there are no limitations to His ability to overcome what seems impossible. God not only fulfilled Zachariah’s prayers but blessed him with the gift of a child born for a great purpose.
Hope springs from faith in God’s promise of good gifts. May you be blessed this season with an overflow of peace, joy, and hope that overcomes worldly circumstances.
Shared by Amy Gayman
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22