December 19th

The birth of John the Baptist is proclaimed in the most unusual of ways: we meet Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth. Luke tells us that both came from fine families and that he is a Temple Priest. More importantly, they ‘were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly’ (Lk 5:6). Sadly, both were ‘getting on in years’ (Lk 5:7) and desperately wanted a child. It is while Zachariah is completing his holiest of priestly tasks that the Angel Gabriel, the messenger of God, appears to him. Once again, the message from God is clear, ‘do not be afraid!’ (Lk 5:13), and he is told that Elizabeth will have a son, ‘and you must name him John’ (Lk 5:13). With God the impossible is possible: this child will not only bring ‘joy’ to his family (Lk 5:14), but John ‘will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God’ (Lk 5:16). Just like Mary of Nazareth in the Annunciation story we will hear tomorrow, Zachariah has his doubts, ‘how can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years’ (Lk 5:18).

It may seem cruel, but Zachariah was silenced by God for refusing to listen to this glorious message—despite his best efforts, he could only make ‘signs to them’, the worshippers in the Temple, and ‘remained unable to speak’ (Lk 5:22). Was God punishing him for his lack of faith? Was God allowing him time, space, and silence to allow this news to sink in? Sometimes we need to take a step back and enjoy the peace and quiet; sometimes we need space to process important news and events; sometimes we need to just shut up and allow God to speak to us. The good news is that Elizabeth did become pregnant and gave birth to a prophet who was to change the lives of so many people.

Today: in this busy week leading up to Christmas Day, allow yourself the gift of silence

We can pray the wonderful prayer of Zechariah, as he greeted the arrival of his new baby, John:

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them…

…You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.