Getting Ready: Advent Reflections, 1:5-7

‘In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.’

Luke 1:5-7


Often the people we look up to, whether they are people we know personally, in history or in other stories, not only have an amazing gift or strength, but also a great weakness which haunts them. Sometimes the very reason they inspire us is because of how they respond to that challenge.

Today we read about two such people: Zechariah and Elizabeth. They are righteous in the sight of God, following God’s laws completely. Still, they carry a burden: they are very old and childless because Elizabeth is not able to conceive. This brings great shame, as people in those days wonder if her condition is a sign of God’s displeasure. 

Elizabeth’s barrenness could turn them away from God in pain or anger. But instead, it draws them closer to God, and closer to each other, as they carry their pain and the pain of their community to God in prayer, and as they minister to the people around them.

At this point, neither Zechariah nor Elizabeth know what is in store for them. They simply live faithfully to God, trusting in him even when trusting is difficult.

Similarly, we cannot say what plans God has for us, what part we will play in his unfolding work in the world, what promises he may fulfil through us.

This Advent, as we prepare for Jesus’ return and for God’s kingdom to come in all its fulness, let’s learn from Zechariah and Elizabeth. May we too walk righteously and faithfully in God’s sight despite – and maybe even because of – our own disabilities, challenges and shame.