Christmas ViewpointSample

The Questioning of Zechariah

'In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

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 was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John….

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years."'

We all know what it is like to want something so desperately and then have that desire denied. The pain is palpable. Such an injury to the soul seems next to impossible to rally. We can learn much about our personal fortitude from desire denied.

Consider the times when you desperately desire something, and it happens! All you longed for, every request of your heart comes to fruition. You are dumbfounded and at a loss for words because a deep heart desire has come true.

Today's scripture describes Zechariah, a deeply faithful priest feeling the door had been closed on the blessing of an heir. He and his wife Elizabeth had hoped, prayed, and pled for a child, yet time seemed to have run out for the dream to come true. What happens next plays an integral part in preparing for the coming of the Messiah.

Today's scripture shares miraculous events as Zechariah conducts his ceremonial duties. A celestial encounter startles Zechariah and grips him with fear. The visiting angel, Gabriel, delivers the news that Zechariah and Elizabeth will have a son. He shakes his head in disbelief and asks for proof as he and his wife are beyond childbearing years.

Place yourself in Zechariah's shoes—disappointment after disappointment. To protect your heart and soul, you shut the door to your dashed dreams and try to move on. Then, the door is cracked and feels like a glimmer of hope. Will a wound once again be opened, and the pain return?

Viewpoint Reflection

Zechariah questioned Gabriel – the Lord's representative. In other words, Zechariah questioned God. Have you ever questioned God? You begin asking, seeking answers. It's all part of the faith journey. We serve a Lord who is big enough and wise enough to handle our questions.

God desires to be invited into the questioning. He welcomes your questions as they are a sign of seeking. Sit with God in your questioning. Rest in the results or the continued mystery.