Thursday 19 December 2024

Today is Thursday the 19th of December in the 3rd week of Advent. The Convivium Singers sing Margaret Rizza’s setting of the Benedictus, Zechariah’s song: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, which we will only hear read once. Luke 1:5-25 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense-offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.’ This passage from the gospel of Luke tells the story of the angel Gabriel's announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah, inviting us to deeply engage with the Advent themes of hope, waiting, and faith. Using imaginative prayer, take time to engage with and reflect on this encounter. Zechariah and Elizabeth had longed for a child for many years. They represent the deep desire for God's intervention, much like the longing of Israel for the Messiah. How might this reflect on your own hopes and desires, especially during this season of Advent? Place yourself in Zechariah's shoes, entering this most holy place, a great privilege, but perhaps with his own longing uppermost in his mind. Reflect on the desires of your heart—what are you longing for this Advent season? After many, many years, who would have expected an angel? Gabriel stands in the presence of God - bringing good news. A true miracle for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Receiving the message, who can blame Zechariah for his question? How might you be called to listen to God’s messengers during this Advent season? Ask for the grace to be open to the surprises God may have for you. What promise do you believe God has given you that you are waiting to see fulfilled? In response, Zechariah, though righteous, is struck mute when he questions Gabriel's message about his wife Elizabeth bearing a son in her old age. During Advent, this silence may call us to reflection and inner stillness. Perhaps to imagine what Zechariah might have felt during those months when all he could do was to go home and wait. Reflect on whether this is a time when God may be asking you to be more patient and attentive to God’s plan for you. Elizabeth’s life is completely transformed and her joy at being pregnant is a powerful testament to God’s grace. In Advent, we are called to experience joy, not just for ourselves, but for the unfolding of God’s plan for all of humanity. Imagine Elizabeth rejoicing in her pregnancy. How is God inviting you to experience joy and gratitude this Advent? How might you see that your life is a part of God’s larger plan for the world? In this passage we witness a profound story of waiting, hope, and fulfilment—deeply appropriate themes for Advent. Allow the stillness and waiting of Zechariah, the faithfulness of God, and the joy of Elizabeth to be part of your Advent journey. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus