Luke 1:5-7 (NIV)

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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zechariah and Elizabeth’s faithfulness, despite their circumstances, challenge or inspire you in your own season of waiting?
  2. What prayers or promises are you waiting on God to fulfill, and how can you trust His timing in the process?
  3. Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced the fulfillment of God’s promise in a miraculous way. How can we remain open to unexpected ways God may choose to answer our prayers or fulfill His promises?

Devotion

In Luke 1:5-7, we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple described as righteous and blameless in the sight of God. Both were faithful in observing God’s commands, but they carried a heavy burden—they were childless, and now advanced in age, it seemed impossible for them to have a child. Despite their personal pain, they remained faithful and trusted in God’s timing. Their story shows us that even the most faithful can face deep struggles, but God is always working, even in seasons of waiting and uncertainty.

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, and Zechariah and Elizabeth's story reminds us that God often works in ways we don’t expect, and His timing is always perfect. Their faithfulness, even when it seemed like their prayers had gone unanswered, is a powerful example for us during this season. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we may find ourselves waiting for God to fulfill promises or answer prayers. It can be hard to remain hopeful when we don’t see immediate results, but Advent reminds us that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

As we reflect on their story, we’re reminded that Advent isn’t just about waiting for the birth of Jesus, but also about preparing our hearts for His return. God calls us to live faithfully during this time of waiting, trusting that He is working even when we cannot see it. As we approach Christmas, let us commit to trusting God in the waiting, knowing that His plans for us are good and that He is always faithful.