Silence.
Do you like silence or avoid it?
Typically, beginning music students struggle the most in observing the silent parts in their pieces. As a former music instructor, I’ve witnessed this many times over the years.
Our natural tendency is to fill any silence.
Yet, when I was working full time in music, I seldom turned music on in my car or at home. I craved silence back then because I was seldom in silence.
Now that I’m no longer working as a musician, I frequently find it harder to concentrate at work on quieter days than when there’s a great deal of activity around me. Mainly because I hear every single sound around me and want to know what it is.
Why does silence make many of us so uncomfortable?
What does this discussion of experiencing silence have to do with preparing our hearts for Christmas?
Have You Prepared Your Heart for Christmas?
Part Two | A Study from Luke 1:8-23
The opening of Luke’s gospel in the New Testament reports that what follows is an “orderly account,” meaning in chronological order. (See Luke 1:1-4)
Then Luke begins by sharing about a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who were both old and childless. To be old and childless in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s society was a sign that God did not favor them. Yet, Luke affirms that both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were credited as righteous and obedient before God. (See Luke 1:5-7)
Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.[1]
How did Zechariah get the opportunity to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense?
Given that priests were to serve the Lord on behalf of the Israelites as a whole, what types of prayers were likely being offered by those outside the temple?
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.[2]
What troubled Zechariah?
What is significant about the angel’s words to Zechariah?
And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.[3]
Describe the uniqueness of the promised child.
And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” [4]
Describe how this pronouncement from the angel is more than just about a child for a barren couple.
Does this change what the answered prayer was that the angel referred to above?
And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.[5]
How important and powerful is the angel speaking with Zechariah?
Why did the angel silence Zechariah?
And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. [6]
How did the people react to Zechariah when he came out of the temple?
Have You Prepared Your Heart for Christmas?
Part Two | Application
Last week we explored some thoughts from Micah, where a promise was given regarding what our hearts need most.
The book of Micah from the Old Testament is the only one that prophesies that the Christ child will be born in Bethlehem.
Today we looked at the details about Zachariah and Elizabeth’s conception of a child in their old age who was sent to prepare the way for Christ’s arrival that is only reported in the Gospel of Luke.
Review verses 16-17 that the angel spoke about John.
And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” [7]
Explain the significance of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children.
How does one overcome disobedience?
Why are hearts of compassion and care, as well as wisdom and justice, needed to prepare people for the Lord?
Now put yourself in Zechariah’s shoes and imagine not being able to speak for roughly nine months. How would this impact both you and those around you?
Could it draw your heart and those around you even closer to God? Why or why not?
How might spending more time in silence prepare your heart for Christmas this year?
Heavenly Father, help us embrace a sense of silent reverence in our hearts as we prepare to celebrate your gift to your creation, the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, this Christmas. May we accept the words of your angel Gabriel not to be afraid but to be confident that you are preparing us to be in your presence even when our circumstances make little sense to us. Show us you hear our prayers just as you did Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the people of Israel through the generations. Open our hearts to experience all that You desire to bless us with in Your own timing and special grace.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:8–10.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:11–13.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:14–15.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:16–17.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:18–20.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:21–23.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 1:16–17.