We are on the Way to Bethlehem this Advent Season and our stop this week is in Jerusalem and the Temple of the Lord. A priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, both faithful and righteous before the Lord, are barren. Rob Fuquay in his Advent Study says that this couple lived with a deep longing in their hearts without a sign or hint of answered prayer for a very long time. Then a divine message is sent through the Angel Gabriel as Zechariah tends to priestly duties in the Holy Place of the Temple. Luke's gospel records the encounter in Chapter 1, verses 5-17. Take a minute to read it and then keep reading here for more.
We are invited into Zechariah's encounter with the angel and hear the instructions he receives in this sacred message. In this holiest of places, a faithful priest is given the news that he and his wife are to be parents of a child prophet and his name will be John (meaning "God is gracious.") When I hear this story, I hear the divine messenger bring great news with detailed instructions to parents that have waited for years to hold a baby, provide for and care for a child, and teach and guide a young person to the Lord. In this case the angel tells Zechariah that his son will be filled with the Holy Spirit, will bring joy and gladness to the community, and will lead many to know the Lord.
A life lived with barren expectations is now transformed with a divine blessing. Their patience in waiting on the Lord is now rewarded. Peace has come to the home of the priest and his wife. Both descend from the house of Aaron, both are priestly in their ways. They will now have the opportunity to raise a prophet, the one to be called John. They are shown favor and blessing and it comes after a long wait. The message is delivered in the sacred place of the Second Temple. Jerusalem is foundational to the story of Jesus. John (the Baptist) precedes his cousin Jesus and is the one to announce the coming kin-dom of the Lord. This is Zechariah's blessing, to be a part of the Messiah story revealed now after years of waiting.
What are we waiting for in our lives this Advent season? I wonder what might happen within each of us when we wait on the Lord's blessing?
Karen Armstrong in her book, 'Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths' says, "the notion of separation and a yearning for some kind of reconciliation lies at the heart of the devotion to a holy place." Jerusalem is and has been a holy place to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Foundation Stone on which the Temple was built is thought to have significance in each of the faith's stories of salvation and divine presence.
Let us go up to Jerusalem and worship the Lord!
Come, O Come Emmanuel, God with Us!
Along the Way
Pastor Paul
PS - keep reading in Luke chapter 1 and see why Zechariah can't speak a word of this blessing out loud.
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