And now, as we prepare for Christmas, let’s explore a few not-so-discussed events leading up to the main event. The main baby, born to the world, is Jesus of course. But another very special baby comes along close to the same time. Mystery and miracle also surround his birth.

The father’s name is Zechariah, a priest from the hill country north of Jerusalem. Zechariah heads toward the holy city to take his yearly turn serving at the Temple. When he arrives, he and other visiting priests draw lots for the duties they will perform for the week. Some will do menial jobs around the Temple area, but a select few will go into the Temple itself for the highly honored task of lighting the candles, burning incense, etc.

In God’s timing, Zechariah is chosen for this sacred duty. While worshipers assemble outside to pray, Zechariah performs his duties inside.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him , he was startled and gripped with fear. Luke 1:11-12

It would startle any of us when we think we’re all alone and suddenly someone is standing there, but especially if it’s an angel! Throughout Scripture, a common reaction is fear. So the angel says:

Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. Luke 1:13

I wonder if perhaps this is the point at which Zechariah stops listening. An angel and a message of childbirth for his aging wife—too much, too quickly. However, the angel goes on.

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on in the spirit and power of Elijah, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:14, 16-17

If Zechariah had his wits about him, he would remember Old Testament prophecies about one who would prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah. But all he can think of is:

“How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is along in years.” Luke 1:18

I told you he was stuck on the first statement. He doesn’t realize that God is the Lord of the impossible. He can’t comprehend that his son will be John the baptizer, the one who will preach repentance and prepare the hearts of the people for the Christ. He is hung up on a woman of old age having a baby. The angel sees that he must get a little tough with Zechariah to shake him into reality.

“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at the proper time. Luke 1:19-20

Meanwhile, the worshipers outside are wondering what has happened to Zechariah. He’s been in the sanctuary way too long. To their surprise, he comes out gesturing, trying to explain.

When Zechariah returns home, his wife Elizabeth is delighted to hear the news (once she deciphers his gestures.)

What about us? Maybe God won’t send an angel, but his Holy Spirit is always at work in our lives. Has he impressed you to do a special project for Him? Speak a word of confession to someone? Perform an act of generosity? He is the God of the possible when it seems impossible. Trust Him.

~ Joyce ~