THIRD FRIDAY OF ADVENT
SCRIPTURE
READING: Luke 1: 5-20; 57-80
Zechariah
was a priest who served in the temple during the time of King Herod. He and his
wife, Elizabeth, were righteous and faithful, yet they were childless and
advanced in years. While Zechariah was burning incense in the temple, the angel
Gabriel appeared to him with an incredible message: he and Elizabeth would have
a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The angel instructed Zechariah
to name the child John.
However,
Zechariah doubted this message because of his and Elizabeth’s old age. Because
of his unbelief, he was struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled. When John
was born and Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “His name is John” (Luke
1:63), his speech was restored. Immediately, he praised God with a song known
as the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79), which proclaims God’s faithfulness, mercy,
and the coming of the Savior.
Zechariah’s
journey is one of doubt turning to faith and silence turning to praise. His
story reminds us of God’s power to fulfil His promises, even when circumstances
seem impossible. It also teaches us that when we trust God, our lives become a
testament to His faithfulness and grace.
PRAYER:
Lord,
thank You for Your faithfulness, even when we struggle to believe. Like
Zechariah, help us to trust Your promises and give You praise. May our hearts
be open to Your messages, and may our lives proclaim Your goodness and mercy.
Amen.
