The prophet Isaiah declares the coming of a child—a child whose reign will embody wisdom, strength, fatherly care, and peace. This child is the messiah, and his kingdom will be unlike any other. His rule will not be marked by selfish ambition or fleeting power but by justice and everlasting peace. Yet, even in Isaiah’s glorious vision, the announcement of this child seems so ordinary. A child? A baby? This is how God intends to bring salvation and peace to the world? It’s not that no religion had ever thought of a god as a child or baby before (plenty of Greek and Roman myths did just that). But the nature of who that child would grow up to be is different.
Centuries later, Luke introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple living in obscurity, in an oppressive political and religious system under Herod's rule. Despite their faithfulness, their story is one of disappointment. They have no children—a source of pain and shame in their culture. Yet we might understand that their lives quietly reflect righteousness and trust in God.
So in their barrenness and old age, God begins his work of fulfillment. A son will be born to them. This child (John) is not the messiah, but will prepare the way for the Prince of Peace. Like the messiah himself, John the Baptist’s birth will come in a way that defies expectations and overturns despair.
Advent reminds us that God often begins his greatest works in the least likely of places and through the least likely of people. He calls us to wait, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, trusting that his timing is perfect. And he invites us to see, in the announcement of a child, the depth of His love and wisdom. God’s kingdom doesn’t enter the world with a shout but with the cry of a baby.
Isaiah 9:6-7
A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.
Luke 1:6-7
They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for yet another new day. As the cold of December sets in and as the amount of daylight continues to decrease…show me the light. Surprise me today with moments of wisdom and love from unexpected places. Help me to trust your timing. I’m such a control freak. Help me to trust and see your kingdom coming in ways I could not imagine.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.