Advent Reflections 2022

Week 4, Wednesday December 21

Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56)

Vs 45 “ ‘And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’ “ 

“And the world was changed forever.”

As I ponder the Magnificat or Mary’s Song, I tremble. I cannot imagine what was happening to the heart and soul of this young person. To be visited by an angel and receive the news that she had found favor with God, “Greetings favored one,” and would bear his child… I don’t even have the words.

Mary has been told the child she will bear will be: “Great, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God, Holy, Jesus, he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. 

Then she travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We don’t really know why she made the trip. But the trip seems to be urgent because she “went with haste.” Does she go to share the news? Does she go to see for herself if Elizabeth is indeed with child? Since the angel shared the news of Elizabeth’s baby, is it possible Mary hopes she’ll find an understanding spirit to share the news of her encounter? Is she seeking confirmation that this could be true? 

After receiving Mary and being filled with the Holy Spirit, does Elizabeth’s proclamation answer any of these questions? “ ‘Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’ ” 

Mary now has confirmation. Mary knows she is going to bear the Savior of the world. She erupts in what seems to be a prophetic song of praise to God. She declares what people until the end of time will learn and experience about Jesus. 

I am thankful I cannot comprehend what Mary was experiencing. This allows me the opportunity to ponder what God was doing for the world through the birth of His Son and as I count down the days until we celebrate Jesus’ birth, I can continue to ponder God’s plans for His people in Jesus’ second coming. Amen!

Week 4, Thursday December 22

Luke 1:57-66

Vs. 66, “ ‘What then will this child become?’ “

“The Big Reveal”

Zechariah has been mute for 9 months. Previously, we learned the people that had been with him at the sanctuary and had discovered his condition believed he had seen a vision. On the surface, Zechariah’s muteness seems to be a consequence for his unbelief in the angel’s news.

Might the untying of Zechariah’s tongue as he confirms the name of his son point to the substance of Zechariah’s vision? What is the connection between the birth of this new child, naming him John, and Zechariah’s restoration? Is the restoration of Zechariah’s speech a prediction of his son’s calling? 

Are there times when we receive news: “that’s too good to be true,” or “there’s no way!” or “that just can’t be so?” Do we trust God or challenge him? Oftentimes in discerning, we’re forced to wait for God - for his perfect timing. Zechariah challenged the angel. But when his son was born, his agreement to the naming of his son indicated his trust in God. He was then filled with the Holy Spirit, and delivers a prophecy about his new son. “You, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…”

John will not have a tied tongue. God has created John for service in His kingdom to proclaim the coming Messiah.

This is a time of year for trusting and waiting. Is there something you are waiting for God to reveal? We don’t know who Zechariah shared that time of waiting with. I invite you to share yours with God. Allow him to reveal Himself to you in ways perhaps you’ve not experienced before. Then as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I hope your tongue is loosened so you can likewise be witness to God’s faithfulness and His second coming. Amen.