December 5, 2021
The Preparation of Christmas (part 1) | Luke 1:5-24
The Preparation of Christmas (part 1) | Luke 1:5-24
In his sermon delivered on December 5th, 2021, Pastor Eric spoke on God’s preparation for Christmas.
According to Scripture, Zechariah and Elizabeth were the parents of John the Baptist, the man sent to prepare the way for the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. He played a vital role in the preparation of the first Christmas. During this period, Herod the Great, king of Judea, had ordered the execution of all male children two years of age and younger in Bethlehem and in the surrounding area. Herod heard that a new king had been born and felt threatened. Yet, God planned for the birth of Christ in this dark period of history. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God gave the gift of life right in the midst of death and darkness.
The very first Christmas was very different from the one we celebrate today. From our perspective, nothing seems right: there was no big family reunion; no background Christmas music; and no snow falling. Moreover, the inn in which Mary was to give birth was full that night; therefore, Jesus, the Saviour of the world and Creator of the universe, was born in a stable. Like Mary and Joseph at that time, if you are experiencing the effects of darkness all around you, I urge you to keep your focus on Jesus, as He has a plan for you. However chaotic the situation may appear, the Lord Almighty is preparing something for you and directing your path.
PRIVILEGED
In the first chapter of Luke, Elizabeth and Zechariah are described as having been born into the right families, as well as having been spiritually privileged. Zechariah belonged to the tribe of Levi, whereas Elizabeth was a descendant of Moses’ right-hand man, Aaron, who was also a member of the Levi tribe. The Levites were responsible for the religious leadership of the Jews, a status coveted in ancient Israel. And, Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, had the privilege of being Jesus’ mother. While we cannot control where or when we are born, we can take responsibility for our actions and who we choose to serve.
Lot appointed Zechariah to burn incense in the Temple. It was his duty to ensure that the incense was continually burning for the Lord. It was to be burned twice daily, in the morning and at dusk, as a regular offering to God. The high priest was required to burn incense and sprinkle sacrificial animal blood on the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, to atone for his own sins and the sins of the Israelites. Incense, a symbol of the prayers of the righteous, provided a sweet aroma to God.
PROBLEM
Zechariah and Elizabeth were unable to conceive a child. Elizabeth was barren and both of them were advanced in age. Both were fearful that being childless would end their family lineage. Furthermore, their culture regarded it as a sign of divine displeasure or punishment for a grave sin. However, according to Luke 1, verse 6, Elizabeth and Zechariah were blameless and righteous in the Lord’s sight.
Read Job 2:3
Job, who lost his wealth, his children and his health, was faultless and upright in the eyes of the Lord. In fact, the Lord praised him highly. According to God, there was no one on earth like Job. Likewise, Joseph, who was also a man of God, was sold into slavery by his brothers after he shared a dream he received from the Lord. He was also falsely accused, unfairly treated, and imprisoned despite his innocence. A number of these tragic stories are recorded in the Bible. God’s Word does not deny that righteous people sometimes endure trials that no one can comprehend.
Read Psalm 34:17
The Bible does not say that the Lord will deliver us from some of our troubles. Rather, it states that He will deliver us from all of them.
Read Romans 8:28
This verse makes it clear that not everything that happens to us is favourable, but if we love and obey God, He has the ability to turn it all for good. The devil’s evil intentions can be reversed by God’s grace.
PRAYER
Read Luke 1:13
This passage states that Zechariah’s prayer was heard; however, which prayer is the angel referring to? Considering that he was a Jew and a priest who often prayed, which prayer did God answer?
Here are three possible answers:
- Zechariah prayed that he and Elizabeth would be able to conceive a child. And immediately after this prayer, the angel announced that Elizabeth would give birth to a son.
- Zechariah prayed for a child in the past, and God remembered his prayer. We must not forget that God remembers every prayer we pray and every tear we shed. According to the Bible, God has the ability to forget our sins when we confess them to Him. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, but He never forgets our prayers. (See Acts 10:4) or,
- Zechariah was a priest and a Jew, which means he could have prayed, as Simeon did, for Jesus to come and save the people of Israel from their sins and their enemies.
PROMISE
Read Luke 1:13-17
Imagine the angel Gabriel appearing to you prior to the birth of your child and telling you that he will be a great man of God. What an incredible promise!
Read Luke 1:18-20
Gabriel, who appears to have been dissatisfied with Zechariah’s response, informed him that he would not be able to speak until the day his child is born, because he did not believe what he was told.
Read Luke 1:30-34
In this passage, the angel Gabriel informs Mary that she will give birth to a son. Her response to the angel is, “How will this happen since I am a virgin?” Why does Gabriel not prevent her from speaking? If you look closely, you will notice a subtle difference between the responses of Zechariah and Mary. As opposed to Zechariah, Mary doubted due to her old age. There is a difference between doubting the ability of God to fulfill a promise and doubting the manner in which the promise will be fulfilled. Elizabeth thanked God for removing her shame, and praised Him for his kindness. As soon as Zechariah was permitted to speak, he too praised the Lord and he began to prophesy.
This is a reminder that faith honours God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We are saved through faith in what His Son has accomplished on the cross. The Lord is calling us to live by faith.
PRAISE
The faith of a believer honours God. When we struggle with faith, it may be necessary to enlist the Lord’s assistance in overcoming our unbelief.
Remember that God planned the first Christmas. And as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, let us prepare God’s people for redemption.