Scripture Reading: Luke 1:5–25
Reflection
John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, had desperately wanted a child, but Elizabeth had been barren, and now they were older. Hope for a child had long been forgotten. This was not due to their sin or lack of faith. Scripture says that both were upright in the sight of God, but even the upright often struggle with disappointment. Life had moved on.
Zechariah was a priest, and part of his role was to burn incense in the temple before the Lord. While he served in the temple, an extraordinary thing happened. The angel Gabriel met Zechariah and told him they would have a child. Not only that, but this child would be used by God in incredible ways to prepare the people for the Lord. In shock and disbelief, Zechariah asked how he would know this would happen, and Gabriel told him he would not be able to speak until John was born. Immediately, Zechariah was made mute and remained that way until John’s birth.
Doubt and disbelief. Even the righteous struggle with these. Priests and prophets, pastors and missionaries, you and me – we all feel the tension. God can, but will He? God does, but will He do it for this situation? God is able, but will He choose to? Zechariah knew the stories of what God had done. He had probably taught others about the value of faith in the God of the impossible. However, years of watching others have children while he waited had taken a toll on him. But now, through Gabriel, things had changed. A promise had been made: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.” When the time was right, the promise was fulfilled. Zechariah went from doubting God to declaring His praise! This fulfilled promise also set the stage for an even greater promise to come true – the promise of the Messiah.
Today, spend a few moments reflecting on God’s promises. Are there things in His Word you find hard to believe, even though He has promised them? Have you encouraged others to have faith in the God of the impossible, yet sometimes struggle with doubt yourself? Take a few moments today to search the Scriptures for God’s promises, then join your heart with the man in Mark 9:24 who said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” This Christmas, as you remember the promise fulfilled in the birth of our Savior, may it inspire you to believe God’s other promises and to hold tightly to Him while you await their fulfillment.
Reflection Questions
- What promises of God do you find hardest to believe right now?
- Are there areas where you have encouraged others to trust God but struggle to trust Him yourself?
- How can remembering God’s fulfilled promises in the past strengthen your faith today?
Application
- Spend time reading through Scriptures that highlight God’s promises.
- Pray honestly like the man in Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
- Write down a promise of God you want to cling to this Christmas season.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- Mark 9:24
- Psalm 145:13
- Hebrews 10:23
- Isaiah 55:11
Family Activity
Play silent charades by acting out parts of the Christmas story. Discuss how Zechariah had to remain silent and how God still worked faithfully during that time.