“And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his 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 1:21-35 ESV)
I wonder what Elizabeth’s reaction was when she finally learned Zechariah’s story. Perhaps he wrote it down for her? At least we know how she felt about God’s promise—overjoyed and relieved, because in that time childlessness was usually blamed on the woman.
And so she took five months to stay close to home, in seclusion—and probably in silence most of the time, since her husband couldn’t speak. What did she do with that time—pray? Think? Dream about the future?
Surely she thanked God for her baby, who would prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus. And I expect she spent a lot of time thinking about that coming Messiah—for the Old Testament was filled with promises about what Jesus would do. He would rescue everyone suffering under the power of sin, death, and the devil, laying down His own life to set us free—and then rising again.
We Pray: Lord Jesus, as we look back on Your great work, thank You for loving us. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you take time to pray and think quietly in God’s presence?
* What kinds of things do you focus on in prayer?
* What specific things are you thankful for about Jesus?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 7, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights