Wilmot First Presbyterian Church

Scripture: Luke 1:18-20.

Preparing in our house, usually takes some muscle. When we were leaving for a trip, there is something one could kindly describe as a “flurry of activity.” Remember, preparing for a wedding? If there isn’t some sweat, confusion, and shouts through the house, then we probably aren’t “preparing.” That may be necessary for a trip to the next state, but it seems all too often to be a part of our advent preparation too.

Shopping, baking, wrapping, Christmas programs and songs… The celebrations of the season take their toll.  Zachariah had reason to celebrate and then some: He was visited by an angel and told that his waiting was over.  After years of barren waiting, he would finally get to be a father.  One might think a priest like Zachariah would know better, but even after having been told by the angel, Scripture is pretty clear he was having some difficulty excepting this.  Maybe it was too painful to even dare to hope for?  Actually he has more than some questions, he has doubts and he voices them.  

Zachariah was religious leader for his people but religious leaders are human too, and some even talk more than they should!  Zachariah is no exception.  He was used to talking and he opened his mouth one too many times.  Now on the surface it appears clear his voice is taken away as a punishment for his lack of faith, but in a real way I believe this is also an act of grace;  a gift.  Many of us could use a little stillness once in a while, and too few of us ever find it.

Most of us talk too much.  I sometimes talk just to avoid whatever waits in the discomfort of those moments of heavy silence.  What waits, however, might be a gift, which is discovered only when we have stilled our own voice. 

In our silence, we can hear the words of another.  In silence we can share the wonder of a moment.  When people find themselves in their most profound moments, words seem harsh and important.  I hope we all have had those experiences which struck us speechless.  Zachariah couldn’t speak when his son was born, but I like to think the event was so rich, he didn’t want to anyway.  Eight days after the arrival of his son, at John’s circumcision (Luke 1:59-64) Zachariah’s voice returned.  I imagine he chose his words carefully.

PRAYER: Speak, Lord, and quiet me so I can listen.  Help us to sense in silence, the richness of your presence.  Teach us to be listeners who weigh our words with care.  Bless our ears, and bless our silence.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN

ACTIVITY: Spend half and hour in silence.  Listen to another person for five minutes without speaking.