December 20th, 2021
Luke 1:1-25
1 Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.
8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that 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 the disgrace I have endured among my people.”
The Worthwhile Wait
It’s December 20th with FIVE days ‘til Christmas! I’m sure that you’re just idly sitting at home waiting for Christmas Day to arrive, right? Yeah, sure.
How many gifts left to buy?
What on earth can I get Uncle (fill in the blank)
Will Amazon and FedEx make it in time?
Will the tree make it five more days? It’s not taking water anymore!
Will COVID ruin this Christmas, too?
The Church tells us that Advent is a season of preparation. Are you ready? Are you prepared? How are we supposed to prepare? Is it all about waiting? How do we wait?
I grew up with Luke’s story about Christmas. Chapter two of this Gospel was memorized because I heard it so many times, describing the birth of Jesus. Luke painted a picture of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, Bethlehem, an inn with no vacancy, and a manger. We know it so well.
Let’s take a step back. What does Luke tell us before he gets to chapter two? If Advent is truly about preparation, what does Luke tell us about preparing for the birth of this child in a manger?
Luke begins his Gospel telling a person named Theophilus (and us) about the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, two good people in the sight of God. One day Zechariah was performing his appointed priestly duties in the temple alone. The people were required to wait for him outside. For some reason, this time it was taking Zechariah a lot longer as they awaited his exit from the temple.
There was a very good reason for the delay. Zechariah was having an unexpected conversation with Gabriel, God’s angel. A good reason, right? Gabriel was telling Zechariah that he and his wife were about to become parents. Understandably, Zechariah was a bit skeptical at this news. Zechariah informed Gabriel that he and his wife were too old to have kids.
I have a feeling that Gabriel and God were already aware of that piece of information.
While we might think that Zechariah’ doubt might have been justified, this was an angel of God sharing the news! Gabriel declared that as a result of that doubt, Zechariah would not be able to speak again until the child was born. Now, Zechariah had to leave the temple and explain to the people (and eventually his wife) why he had remained in the sanctuary so long this time. And remember, he was mute! Where there’s a will (and God is involved), there’s a way. Apparently, without his voice, he was able to get the message across to the people. And how did his wife, Elizabeth, take the news? Oh, blessed Elizabeth. To paraphrase, “The Lord has looked with favor upon me.”
And, spoiler alert, the baby turned out to be John the Baptist. You know, John, never known as one who quietly sat still very long. He prepared for the coming of the Lord by preaching to a crowd he called a “brood of vipers” that they’d better repent…or else. As Isaiah foretold, John prepared for Jesus as a “voice crying in the wilderness” imploring the crowds to prepare for the Lord by turning to God. Jesus is coming! Get ready!
Yes, Advent is a time when we wait for the coming of Jesus. It seems that in the first words of the Gospel of Luke, waiting for Jesus does not mean waiting by, sitting idle. Luke proclaimed to Theophilus that momentum was actively building as the world anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Gabriel, Zechariah and Elizabeth were not sitting still. They were at work following what they knew God called them to do…even while waiting for the Lord. Isaiah, while waiting, proclaimed the coming of one who would preach that everyone must prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord. John the Baptist never sat still as he prepared for the coming of the Lord.
Yes, Advent calls us to prepare for Jesus by waiting. Advent also calls us to prepare for Him while we wait.
As Isaiah proclaims: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
In waiting during Advent, may we prepare ourselves and the world for Jesus by proclaiming to the world (including those standing right next to us) the best news the world has ever known. God loves you (no exceptions)! And, He’s just about to prove it again.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord……even as you wait!
Mr. George Justice
Aspirant to Holy Orders
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma