“And when his [Zechariah] time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.’” (Luke 1:23-25 ESV)
What was that homecoming like, I wonder? I can just see Elizabeth, coming to the door to greet her husband—and getting no answer. Questioning him, touching him, worrying—has he had a stroke? Is he sick, has someone hurt him, what is wrong? She must have imagined the worst before he got the story across to her.
And how did that happen—could Elizabeth read, maybe? If so, that would have made for an interesting half hour—him scribbling as fast as he could, she breathlessly following the story. And then the joy! Oh, the joy—knowing that God had heard her prayers as well, and that finally, finally, they would have a child.
No wonder she hid herself from the general public. It must have been way too much to take in. Five months was not too long to stay quiet and peaceful, thinking about the huge change in her world—and in ours. God was finally sending John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah—and right after him, Jesus, our Savior, who would give Himself up for us all to bring us back to God. What better news could there be?
Prayer: Father, thank You for such wonderful news—for Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What changes do you think this news caused in their family life over the next few months?
* Do you think they told anyone else? Why or why not? If so, when?
* How do you adjust to changes in your life, with the help of God?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 5, 2022
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved
