Scripture – Luke 1:5–25
We do not get to choose our parents but if we had the chance, many of us would have chosen Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were righteous, blameless, lived according to commandments of the Lord (v. 6), and they were thankful (v. 25).
An angel carrying out God’s decree came to them to announce a monumental mission: their son, who would come to be known as John the Baptizer, was “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (v. 17). There is great meaning packed in those words. Rulers in those days often traveled in areas where there were no roads. Before the ruler went a crew of workers making the rough places smooth enough for the ruler’s chariot. This was to be one of John the Baptizer’s tasks.
The lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth are lives we can emulate and pass on as good to future generations. Like John the Baptizer, we can help prepare the hearts and lives of others so they too can meet Jesus the Christ.
Prayer
O Lord, often our world becomes so occupied that we miss the announcements of angels. In this Advent season, assist us in opening our hearts so we hear and then live lives that can be a witness to others as they prepare to greet the Savior. Through Jesus Christ, the One who came and is coming. Amen.
The Rev. James Foster Reese,
Presbyterian Foundation, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Order Proclaiming the Good News of God's Peace.