The Quiet of Christmas
The Old Testament ends with these words: Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6, CSB).
Then comes 400 years of silence.
When God first breaks the silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament, He speaks first to an older, childless man named Zechariah. The message was pretty simple: “It’s time.”
When Gabriel shows up to an unnoticed priest who was serving faithfully, Gabriel informs the priest that he and his well-along-in-years wife (Luke’s words, not mine) will have a son who they will name John. Gabriel goes on to explain this about John: “And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people” (Luke 1:17, CSB).
Sound familiar? Gabriel says that God is doing exactly what God says He will do at the close of the Old Testament. IT’S STARTING! THE SILENCE IS OVER!
Zechariah questions the ability of an old couple like him and Elizabeth even having a child. For his doubts, Zechariah loses the ability to speak until his son is born. So, for nine-plus months, Zechariah can say nothing. This gives him plenty of time to listen, to ponder, to replay Gabriel’s words, to prepare.
Could it be that Zechariah’s punishment was actually a blessing? His inability to speak opens the opportunity for him to contemplate fully the meaning of his son, John, and the One to whom John is pointing…Jesus. That which words could not describe anyway, Zechariah is not tempted to even try to articulate because he is unable to speak.
Too often, our trite sayings seem to diminish the moment rather than enhance them. “Jesus is the reason for the season!” True…but He is so much more. “Merry Christmas.” Yes…but He wants to clean your sin-soaked soul and radically change your life, not just give you a “merry” day. “Wise men still seek Him.” I agree…but that feels so shallow compared to the depth of God’s Son coming, living, dying, and rising again. Maybe we should follow the example of Zechariah by saying less and preparing more.
In Christ, God spoke. He still speaks today through the power of the Holy Spirit applying the truth of the gospel to hearts that are open to Him. This Christmas, may we be sure to not talk over what God is trying to say to us through Christ. Don’t let the gifts, decorations, parties, and food keep you from hearing the Word of the Lord through Christ coming to earth for us. Listen more, speak less, prepare well.