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Story of Jesus’ birth begins long before the New Testament

Nazarene Commentary to An Angel Appearing to a Priest

Nazarene Commentary to Elizabeth Pregnant

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:46-56 – Mary Magnifies God

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:57-66 – Elizabeth Gives Birth To John

Find also to read:

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The Birth of John the Baptist – 1518, Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553)

Luke 1:11-20 NIV – Miracles often depend on faith (pagprayer.wordpress.com)
Zechariah serves in the temple only twice a year, but only once does he get to assist in the daily offering by going into the holy place. Out of all of the priests (studies indicate that there were about 18,000 priests), today is the day Zechariah is in the temple, among people who are praying. His job this day is to offer incense, in the holy place, symbolizing intercession rising up to God. And Zechariah’s prayer is being answered. In the midst of worship, God moves.
Luke 1:57-80 (oh-mag.com)
As we read in Luke 1:17, Gabriel had given this exact account to Zechariah on the day that his speech was taken for disbelief. Now knowing that these things were indeed coming to pass, the first words out of Zechariah’s mouth are ones of praise and amazement. In verse 68 he speaks of the Messiah directly, knowing that redemption is at hand (remember, Jesus is just about to be born). He exclaims that God is in their midst, and that He has not abandoned them. In verse 69 the prophet says that God has raised up a horn (referring to strength) of salvation from the line of David. As we have read in Matthew, Jesus does in fact fulfill this role as being in the lineage of David. Inside Zechariah’s prophecy, we are being reminded of a past prophecy, found in Psalm 132 which talks about the future Messiah and his place of birth and reign.
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Matthew 1:1-17

There were no accidents, no mistakes, and no second plans as God laid out for all eternity the plans that brought forth a man who fulfilled over 1000 prophecies by the time of His death. Let us consider the truths that Matthew is going to lay out before us as he makes the case that Christ is Messiah.
The Inerrancy of the Bible (924jeremiah.wordpress.com)
In the Church, we witness God’s will happening amid human mistakes all the time. Sincere worship leaders play the wrong chords on their guitars. Obedient prophets get caught up in passion and embellish His message. Pastors lose their train of thought in the middle of an inspired sermon. Earnest theologians publish false teachings that they later wish they could retract. Evangelists mistake God’s promptings and present the Gospel message to souls who are already saved. Dynamic Sunday School teachers get stumped by a question that a child asks them. Christian publishers crank out books with glaring typos and spelling errors. Does the presence of error mean that God can’t be at work? Of course not. Human beings are imperfect bumblers. After we are saved, God chooses to let us keep on bumbling as He works through us to accomplish many good things. Our mistakes don’t slow Him down. Our immaturity doesn’t prevent Him from accomplishing His goals. If God isn’t threatened by mistakes, why should we be? Why does the Bible have to be perfect in order for it to be of value? Why can’t it still be Divinely inspired even if it has some obvious flaws?
Luke 1:67-69 – His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, (church4u2.wordpress.com)
God is looking for the Zechariah’s of our day to fill them with His Holy Spirit and use them in amazing ways.
Morning Prayer 12.26.13: St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (dailyoffice.org)
You have made my friend a bearer of your love for me; I see the light you made to shine in him. Shower my friend with blessings today, O Lord; make me worthy to receive the gifts he brings each time we’re together, and help me return in full measure the love I feel for him. You have made us one in your Spirit, O Lord; thanks be to God.
The Choice Mary Made (backseatwriter.wordpress.com)
God created Mary, so He undoubtedly already knew how she would react to Gabriel’s proclamation that she would be the virgin to bear the long-awaited Messiah.But what if she had said no? Could Mary have said, “No, you’ve got the wrong girl”? Would there have been a Moses-like moment where God said that He created her womb, like He created Moses’ mouth? If she had tried to flee, would God have brought her back with a Jonah and the big fish sort of event? Could Mary have wrestled with an angel like Jacob?
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Often times we don’t get to choose what diseases befall us, what those closest to us will do to cause us pain, or how the world will beat us up. But we can choose how we react, knowing and trusting nothing escapes God’s loving attention. When baby Jesus was finally born and presented in the temple, Mary was told her blessing was a double-edged sword. Her heart would be pierced, just as her Son would be pierced for our transgressions. My sins and yours. The world’s greatest gift also came with huge responsibility, pain, and suffering.
Vayetze (rockofisraelweeklyparasha.wordpress.com)
The answer to Jacob’s ladder right before your eyes! Yeshua (Jesus) is the ladder! He was sent to Earth to atone for our sins as the perfect Lamb of G-d, G-d raised Him from the dead through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh, Yeshua went up to Heaven to serve as our King, Priest and Prophet. Moshiach is soon to Return! Oh mishpachah, can you see it? Yeshua is the Son of G-d, our Messiah! We pray through the Name of Yeshua and our prayers go up to HaShem in Heaven, and the answer is sent down to earth through Yeshua’s Name!
Fourth Sunday in Advent: Dec. 22 (prayerscapes.wordpress.com)
The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Advent Weekday (catholicquotesblog.wordpress.com)
You Prisoners Of Hope, I Will Restore Twice as Much to You (smritidisaac.wordpress.com)

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God Jehovah Yahweh (English), Word of God

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Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:67-80 – Zechariah’s Prophecy

Luke 1:67-80 – Zechariah’s Prophecy

LK1:67 Then the baby’s father Zechariah was filled with holy Pneuma and prophesied:[1] “Blessed [be] YHWH, The God of Israel,[2] [Psalm 41:13] LK1:68 for He visited and redeemed His People.[3] [Psalm 111:9] LK1:69 He raised up for us a horn[4] of salvation in His servant David’s House. [Psalm 132:17] LK1:70 Just as He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from ages past[5] – LK1:71 that He would save us from the hand of our enemies who hated us.[6] [Psalm 106:10] LK1:72 This in order to demonstrate [His] mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy covenant.[7] [Psalm 105:8] LK1:73 That oath He swore to our father Abraham [Genesis 22:16] – LK1:74 to grant us deliverance from the hand of our enemies [Jeremiah 30:8] – LK1:75 so that we may serve Him fearlessly all our days in holiness and righteousness. [Jeremiah 30:9] LK1:76 And so you also, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. For in the sight of YHWH you will go before to prepare His way[8] [Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1] – LK1:77 to give knowledge of salvation to His People by a forgiveness of their sins,[9] LK1:78 through the tender mercies of our God that will dawn on us from a heavenly visitation – LK1:79 to become visible to those sitting in the darkness of death’s shadow,[10] [Isaiah 9:2] to direct our feet into the way of peace.” LK1:80 And so the child continued to grow and become stronger mentally,[11] remaining in the desert until the day of his appearing to Israel.

[1] Prophesied: Zechariah, like Mary, speaks in language borrowed from a half dozen verses in the Hebrew Bible.

[2] Blessed [be] YHWH, The God of Israel: Compare also 1 Kings 1:48; Psalm 72:18; 106:48.

[3] Redeemed His People: Compare Luke 7:16.

[4] He raised up for us a horn: From Psalm 132:17 but with echoes of Hannah again. [1 Samuel 2:10]

[5] He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from ages past: As in Jeremiah 23:5; Daniel 9:24. Compare Hebrews 1:1.

[6] He would save us from the hand of our enemies who hated us: From Psalm 106:10.

[7] To remember His holy covenant: Compare Psalm 105:8; 106:45. Several times Zechariah draws from the historical psalms. On the covenant see Genesis 17:7; Leviticus 26:42; Deuteronomy 4:31; 7:12.

[8] Prepare His way: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 3:3.

[9] Forgiveness of their sins: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark 1:4.

[10] Those sitting in the darkness of death’s shadow: From Isaiah 9:2. Compare Psalm 107:10; Isaiah 49:9; 59:9. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 4:16.

[11] So the child continued to grow and become stronger mentally: Or, strong in spirit. Compare Jesus at Luke 2:40.

Preceding articles:

Story of Jesus’ birth begins long before the New Testament

Nazarene Commentary to An Angel Appearing to a Priest

Nazarene Commentary to Elizabeth Pregnant

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:46-56 – Mary Magnifies God

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:57-66 – Elizabeth Gives Birth To John

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The Birth of John the Baptist – circa 1554, Tintoretto (1518–1594)

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Advent Weekday (catholicquotesblog.wordpress.com)
76.And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77.to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,
10 Things God Can’t Do (traceyamcpheron.wordpress.com)
1. God can’t get tired; 2. God can’t take on a job he can’t handle; 3. God can’t be unholy; 4.God can’t be prejudiced; 5. God can’t break a promise; 6. God can’t remember sins he’s chosen to forget; 7. God can’t make a loser; 8. God can’t abandon you; 9. God can’t stop thinking about you; 10. God can’t stop loving you
This Week’s Commentaries: Second Week of Advent~(Sunday, December 8-Sunday, December 15, 2013) (stjoeofoblog.wordpress.com)
Advent: Jesus, the Nazarene (reimaginingpresence.wordpress.com)
Celebrate Week 3 (gracenazarene.org)
Our bible Journey through the year 2013. (bamigboyeolayemi.wordpress.com)
Sing a Song of Advent (diodocs.wordpress.com)
Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:46-56 – Mary Magnifies God (donniebishop.wordpress.com)
Luke 1:57-80 (oh-mag.com)

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Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:57-66 – Elizabeth Gives Birth To John

Luke 1:57-66 – Elizabeth Gives Birth To John

LK1:57 Now Elizabeth’s time came to fulfillment for her to give birth, and so she bore a son. LK1:58 Now her neighbors and relatives heard that YHWH[1] had shown His mercy to her and they rejoiced together with her. LK1:59 Then the time arrived on the eighth day that they went to circumcise the child. They all wanted to name him Zechariah. LK1:60 But, his mother answered and said: “No! He will be called ‘John’!” LK1:61 Then they all said to Elizabeth: “No one among your relatives is called by that name.” LK1:62 So they motioned to the baby’s father and asked him what he wanted to name the boy. LK1:63 Then Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote – “John is his name.” And everyone was astonished. LK1:64 Instantly his mouth and tongue were opened and he began to speak praising The God. LK1:65 Now all those living in his neighborhood became frightened, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea everyone began talking about these matters. LK1:66 Everybody who heard about it continued to wonder inwardly about all of this, saying: “Who will this child become? For surely YHWH’s hand[2] was with him.”

[1] YHWH: The article is missing and may suggest the Tetragram once occurred here.

[2] YHWH’s hand: The Greek is KYRIOS without the article.

Preceding articles:

Story of Jesus’ birth begins long before the New Testament

Nazarene Commentary to An Angel Appearing to a Priest

Nazarene Commentary to Elizabeth Pregnant

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:46-56 – Mary Magnifies God

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Mary and Zechariah (dvpettus.wordpress.com)
Fifty years of disappointment had built a wall around Zechariah and the presence of a mere angel wasn’t going to knock it down. Like Gideon, he needed proof. He probably didn’t even know he needed it, but he needed it in the worst way possible and it was a proof that had to hit him personally and transparently so that it would be obvious even to Elizabeth that something truly miraculous was about to happen, because he would need her to do it and “Once more for old time’s sake” probably wasn’t going to be convincing enough. Nine months later, when John was born, the Bible reports to us that you couldn’t shut Zechariah up to save your life.
Fourth Sunday in Advent: Dec. 22 (prayerscapes.wordpress.com)
The miraculous birth of a son to Elizabeth began with a mysterious visitation to her husband in his Temple ministry. Elizabeth accepts the destiny of her son through his name. Zechariah corroborates his wife’s desire, acknowledges God’s handiwork, and his physical infirmity is restored through the giving of the name John. While praising God for the part his son will play in God’s plan, Zechariah’s hymn focuses on God’s impending salvation through His Messiah. John’s presence in the desert foreshadows the place where God will appear to him and commission him for ministry. The question for God’s people in His revelation isn’t what we believe has happened, but rather if we are willing to believe that in a miraculous birth the stage is set for humanity to take the first steps in restoration to God through repentance and recognition that “the Kingdom of God is at hand?”
Luke 1:57-80 (oh-mag.com)
When Zechariah writes the child’s name on the tablet it signifies his faith that what Gabriel had said would happen was indeed happening, and that he was credited that faith when his tongue became loosed and he could suddenly speak. This was a sign to the people that something was different about this child, and much to everyone’s amazement something happened that hadn’t occurred in over 400 years. Zechariah is filled with the Spirit and begins to publicly prophesy. The last prophecy given to Israel was by Malachi …
Day 10 – Luke 1:57-66 (immanuelstpauldevotions.wordpress.com)
After many years of being childless, Elizabeth and Zechariah, along with their neighbors and relatives, rejoice at the birth of their son. This story parallels that of Abraham and Sarah, and foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus. Though all expect him to be named after his father, both Elizabeth and Zechariah assert that the boy shall be named John, which means “God is gracious”. Truly, the arrival of this child is a testament to God’s amazing grace. And, Zechariah can finally speak again once he makes known the child’s name, and he praises the Lord. And the people took notice: “What then will this child become?”
Sing a Song of Advent (diodocs.wordpress.com)
Psalm 62 begins, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.” What? Silence? Everyone who knows me, knows I don’t DO silence! Where’s the singing? The psalmist asks me to remember that God is my salvation; that all power belongs to Him and my love belongs to Him. Silence has its place in our preparations, and I need to be reminded of that, more often than not. Psalms 112 and 115 go back to praising the Lord – but in a more restrained way than in the writing from Zephaniah …
Advent Series, part II – Zechariah (matthewjabate.wordpress.com)
Gabriel informed Zechariah that his son would fulfill Biblical prophecy in Malachi 4:6, which stated that “he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.” This was an unbelievable revelation for Zechariah to digest in one sitting. His son would pave the way for the coming of the Messiah. The sheer magnitude of this more than likely allowed Zechariah’s unbelief to come out; therefore, Gabriel told him that he would be unable to speak until God’s word took place (Luke 1:18-20, ESV).
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Zechariah lived to see the Lord respond to his longings. He knew that the God of his ancestors answered prayer and moved among his people. Little did Zechariah know that God Almighty had chosen him and Elizabeth to bring about his purposes and plans. We must beware of unbelief when the Lord answers our prayers.
Luke 1:11-20 NIV – Miracles often depend on faith (pagprayer.wordpress.com)
Friend, we may never experience a visitation from an angel of the Lord to deliver us an answer to our prayers. But God will answer. He will bring you news. Faith relies upon God and His promises alone, and results in boldness and steadfastness in the face of difficulties.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
Let us believe that God is and He will reward us as we diligently pray and seek Him.
What’s In a Name? (Day 8, 12 Days of Christmas Devotionals) (gloriousfilms.com)
the people were still wondering, “Why name the child John?” It wasn’t a family name, and in fact, the name John was somewhat common in first century Palestine. We may wonder this, too. Names were sometimes given by God to individuals in Scripture to indicate special, hidden meanings. The name John in Hebrew and Greek signifies the “grace of the LORD.” What God was going to do through John would represent His grace. John would prepare the people for Jesus, whose name means, “The LORD is Salvation.” Through this pair, the world would learn that “it is by grace that the Lord gives salvation.”
God Answers Prayers We Have Given Up On (ckisler.wordpress.com)
On this Sunday morning, consider the prayers once prayed fervently, pleadingly that have never been answered or that you see no possible way the answer could be yes. Those prayers on a shelf, dusty, maybe even bitter reminders, you think, of God’s “No’s”, those entreaties with squashed hopes, sometimes these very prayers are the ones God uses to demonstrate that our timing, our reasoning, our finite minds cannot begin to understand all He desires to bring out of the barren spots in our lives.

God does not forget any prayer. Just look at Zechariah and Elizabeth. He savors them as he works in us to make us ready for His Answer!
Words are important (rkonazeski.wordpress.com)
When Zechariah had enough faith to speak God’s words then he was allowed to speak again. He had to speak words of faith, God’s words.

Just like Zechariah God has given us His Words to speak, we find them in the Bible. We need to use our faith and believe what He says even when it looks impossible.

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Nazarene Commentary to Elizabeth Pregnant

Luke 1:23-25 – Elizabeth Pregnant

LK1:23 Now it came to pass that when Zechariah’s priestly service was finished[1] he left to his own house. LK1:24 During those days his wife Elizabeth did conceive and for five months she kept it hidden, saying, LK1:25 “This is how YHWH has dealt with me during these days when He looked on me with favor and removed my reproach[2] [Genesis 30:23] among my people.”

[1] Priestly service was finished: One week.

[2] Reproach: Or, disgrace, shame, humiliation. Barrenness in Israel was a reproach upon a married woman. Elizabeth virtually quotes Genesis 30:23. [Compare also 1 Samuel 1:11.]

“She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.”” (Genesis 30:23 NIV)

“And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”” (1 Samuel 1:11 NIV)

Tomb of Zechariah (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Preceding:

Nazarene Commentary to A Factual and Logical Statement

Nazarene Commentary to An Angel Appearing to a Priest

Nazarene Commentary to Gabriel’s Appearance to Mary

Nazarene Commentary to Mary Visits Elizabeth

Nazarene Commentary to Mary Magnifies God

“…To It Shall The Gentiles Seek:….” The Nazarene Part II (mjseymour1959.wordpress.com)
Every Christian should study, and make themselves familiar with Isaiah Ch. 7, through 11. For within these chapters, the Christian will gain an understanding of the Messiahship, of Our Lord, and Redeemer, Yehoshua of Natser, Jesus Christ. We are still living in, “The Day of the Nazarene!” It is late in the Day, but not too late to gain a greater understanding of what God Almighty is doing with all of His Children then, and now. This will give you a greater, and deeper insight to the Work of God, for both the Jew, and the Gentile!
The Names Of Christ: “Nazarene” (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
Mat 2:23 – And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
December 16 – Why Do We Pray? (timevans5037057540.wordpress.com)
The angel told them amazing things that should cause a priest like Zechariah, familiar with the Old Testament, to be incredibly excited. Yet in spite of these prophetic declarations, Zechariah is stuck on the notion that God would actually answer at all. How could a good, religious man have so little faith in God? Makes me wonder why he prayed at all. It makes me wonder what the point of his praying was if he didn’t really expect an answer.
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far too often we are like Zechariah, going through the motions of praying, or maybe worn out praying for the same thing over and over again, in both cases having lost much hope that God will actually answer. For some odd reason we keep praying, but we would be shocked if it actually happened. Yet God is into answering prayer. It’s not that we just think happy thoughts and then God will make all our wildest dreams come true. But God can and will do incredible things, so we should be praying that way. We need to adopt the attitude of Elizabeth over that of the skeptical, worn out Zechariah. We can take some encouragement from Zechariah, for his lack of faith didn’t thwart God’s plan to give him an incredible son with a powerful role in God’s Kingdom. God was able to hear behind Zechariah’s doubts, back to the seed of hope that first sparked such prayers for a child. So let’s keep praying, no matter what our present level of faith is. And maybe we will start believing that God answers our prayers, too.
Elizabeth; Seventh in the series, “Chosen Women in the Life of Christ” (asistershugs.wordpress.com)
Startled, she awoke from her daydreams hearing the sound of his priestly division returning from their rotation. She was glad to hear him coming home; they had a good life and lived it side by side in the service of the Lord. She and her husband were respected among their friends and family, their reputation as a good, honest, hardworking couple was satisfying except for one longing in her heart. They had no children and her time was running out, she was getting old.
24/7 ‘Luke’ Challenge-Day 1 (cacfamilyyouth.wordpress.com)
23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. 24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (NLT)
Elizabeth (stephaniecatmull.wordpress.com)
Elizabeth, widely known for her role as mother of John the Baptist and relative of the Virgin Mary, is one of the most prominent, highly regarded women in the Bible. Although these two roles speak volumes as to her historical biblical and historical significance, they speak little as to what Elizabeth endured and experienced to become such a woman. Her godly character can be discerned equally from what the Bible doesn’t say about her, as much as from what it does say. Indelibly, Elizabeth becomes not only a crucial figure, but also one that is highly admired and respected, becoming an inspiration to all women from Biblical to modern times.
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As with Abraham, her faith was attributed to her as righteousness, and she was looked upon with God’s favor, as she was given the gift of “one who would call out in the desert”.
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Probably, Elizabeth is among the throngs of worshippers outside the temple, praying as the pleasing smoke of fragrant incense lifts their prayers to Almighty God as her husband lights the candles from within.
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Interestingly, Elizabeth remains in seclusion for the first five months of her pregnancy. This was not a common practice, as even her cousin Mary would come to visit her during her first trimester. Maybe it was because she was physically having a difficult time. Maybe it was because she didn’t want anyone to know until she was past her second trimester, in case of a miscarriage. Maybe she was extremely frightened that any of King Herod’s henchmen would see her growing belly, and subject her child to the ordered infanticide that was the law of the land. In any event, Elizabeth does not shout her pregnancy from the rooftops, telling no one about the child growing inside her. She quietly accepts her favor from God, and radiates privately in her blessing as the veil of disgrace is lifted from her life.

Already given the gift of Faith (one of the Gifts of the Spirit), Elizabeth now is given the gift of Intercessory Prayer as she continually prays for her husband as he is in the throngs of punishment. They cannot speak with each other, and because of his sin, greatly affects their marriage. Her previous disgrace of barrenness now has transformed into his disgrace of muteness. Yet all the while Elizabeth supports her husband as he did during her years of sterility. Their bond to each other becomes stronger instead of being torn apart, as they have each forgiven the other for their transgressions, and love each other through it. She does not become the constant dripping of a wife, reminding him daily of his doubt and sin. She loves him, forgives him, and carries him on her shoulders as she carries his child in her womb.
Expect the Unexpected (Touched By An Angel Christmas Series) (krisbelfils.wordpress.com)
Our outlook on life can determine if you enjoy your life or not. It can even determine the blessings you receive all because you chose to acknowledge them or not. If it’s true that we get what we expect, it’s worth noticing our expectations—and shifting them toward a more positive outcome.

God is calling all of us to live a life of extraordinary dependance upon Him. God wants us to live by faith, not by sight. God wants us to stop expecting what we expect to get out of life, and start expecting to see Him move in our midst. He wants us to expect the unexpected.
Sunday’s Sermon: Baffling Encounters (pastorlisaj.wordpress.com)
neither one of them was exactly what society would call a “normal pregnancy.”
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Elizabeth was thrilled when her cousin, Mary, sent word that she was coming to visit. She was a little bit worried about Mary trekking all the way out to the hill country while she was pregnant. After all, these hills were large and steep, and sometimes, it could be tough going, especially in the rainy season. But in her correspondence, Mary had been insistent. She had to come see Elizabeth and speak with her.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace (mikeforchrist.com)
r how many times Zechariah repented for his disbelief; did Elizabeth ever ridicule him—the priest—for being audacious…with an angel, after all! “Hon, let me get this right: you were scared silly by this messenger, and then you doubted him!” “(Scribble)” Fiction doesn’t get any better than this.
Advent – Mary & Elizabeth (genesisone.wordpress.com)
God had begun this new part of His salvation plan with two mighty acts – both of which involved women in a special way.

Elizabeth, who had mourned the fact that she could not have a child and had suffered the social indignity as a result, was delighted to be pregnant – even in her old age.

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Nazarene Commentary to Struck Dumb For Disbelief

Luke 1:18-22 – Struck Dumb For Disbelief

LK1:18 Now Zechariah said to the angel: “How can I be sure of this?[1] For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”[2] LK1:19 Then the angel answered him: “I am Gabriel[3] who stands in the very presence of The God![4] I was sent to speak with you and to bring you this good news. LK1:20 Now, look, you will be unable to speak or say anything until that day when these matters will be fulfilled, because you did not believe my words that will come to completion at the proper time.” LK1:21 Now outside the worshippers waited for Zechariah and began to wonder because he was taking so long in the temple.[5] LK1:22 And when he did come out he was unable to speak to them – and as a result the people realized that he had seen a vision in the temple – because he could only gesture to them though he remained speechless.

[1] How can I be sure of this: For this question the angel strikes the priest dumb.

[2] For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years: An echo of Abraham and Sarah. The Levitical priestly assistants had to retire at the age of 50 while the Aaronic priesthood could serve throughout their lives.

[3] I am Gabriel: The angel of Daniel 9. His name means “God’s Able One.”

[4] Who stands in the very presence of The God: This may suggest that not all angels serve in God’s Presence.

[5] He was taking so long in the temple: The service with prayers took about thirty minutes.

Preceding:

Nazarene Commentary to A Factual and Logical Statement

Nazarene Commentary to An Angel Appearing to a Priest

Nazarene Commentary to Elizabeth Pregnant

Nazarene Commentary to Gabriel’s Appearance to Mary

Nazarene Commentary to Mary Visits Elizabeth

Nazarene Commentary to Mary Magnifies God

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Duccio angel gabriel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mary Did You Know? (devotionsinmotion.wordpress.com)
Six months after Zechariah and Elizabeth conceived, the angel Gabriel came back to earth and appeared to a young girl named Mary. She lived in Nazareth and was betrothed to a young man named Joseph. Gabriel spoke to Mary, saying, “Greetings O favored one, the Lord is with you.” God’s messenger told Mary not to be afraid. He immediately launched into the message sent from God. She was going to conceive and bear God’s only begotten Son.
Deafening Silence (ubicrux.com)
Nine months. Can you imagine being unable to speak for nine months? Especially when your whole life’s purpose — in Zechariah’s case, his Temple duties — required you to speak? Why did God eliminate Zechariah’s ability to speak for so long? I think it’s because God understood that Zechariah needed a “time out.” Zechariah seemed like he had everything in order. He was a priest, a righteous man, a good man. But underneath, Zechariah had a certain hardness of heart that even he did not recognize. When his lifelong prayer was finally answered, he did not react with happiness but with incredulity that God answered the prayer in His way, and not in Zechariah’s way.
Advent Figures: Zechariah (encourageandteach.wordpress.com)
His question demands that God fulfill our requirements, meet our standards. It puts God on trial. This is what it means to disbelieve: to reject the messengers God sends us, to insist that God meet our demands. Rather than bow down before the divine messenger and conform his mind to the message, Zechariah demands that God conform Himself to his earthly way of thinking.And the punishment fits the crime – because if we do not believe, we have nothing to say. Nothing, certainly, in the sense of having no supernatural view, no divine voice to bring to a world turned in on itself. But disbelief makes us mute also in the sense that once we cut ourselves off from the divine message we become a mystery to ourselves. We can no longer speak coherently about who we are and why we exist. In the words of Vatican II, “When God is forgotten, the creature itself grows unintelligible.”

And so for us in a culture of disbelief, Zechariah is an apt figure. The modern world has heard and rejected God’s messenger – not an angel but Christ Himself speaking through His Body, the Church. And having rejected faith we now know little about ourselves and our purpose.
19th December, Gospel Reading (Luke 1:5-25) (prayers4reparation.wordpress.com)
Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.
God Answers Prayers We Have Given Up On (ckisler.wordpress.com)
When do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up hope for a child of their own? When do you think their last prayer for a child was uttered or even fleetingly crossed their minds with any genuine hope of conception.

And Yet, Gabriel clearly told Zechariah, “your prayer has been heard.”
Celebrate Week 2 (gracenazarene.org)
As we walk in the light that God gives us, we are growing in the Lord and in obedience. Everyday God gives us new instruction as He guides us along the way. He shines His light in the dark so we can follow the path that He has for us. And the more we walk in the light, the closer we are drawn to Him. What a great reminder this Advent season that the Christ Child came to be a light in the darkness and His blood that was shed for us not only cleanses us from sin but keeps on cleansing us as we walk in obedience.
Clean and Clear (gracenazarene.org)
Remember our definition for envy is resenting God’s goodness in others’ lives, while simply ignoring God’s goodness in our own lives. Resenting His blessings in others, while ignoring His blessings in our own lives.

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