ニューイングランドの母校からアドヴェントカレンダー 12月20日（土）

Day 21
Mark Jennings | Luke 1

It has happened to all of us; we say something that we wish we could take back. And it was no different for Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth and father to John the Baptist. In Luke 1:5–23, Luke tells us that Zechariah was muted by Gabriel because he voiced his doubt of the angel’s announcement that they would have a son.

Thankfully, for Zechariah, these were not his final words. On the eighth day after the birth of their son, it was time to name the boy. Tradition held that the name should be a “family name.” Yet, Elizabeth protested, saying that his name was to be “John.” Zechariah, who was still mute, agreed by writing, “His name is John.” Immediately his tongue was loosed, and he began to praise God (1:64).

Zechariah had learned his lesson: God’s work is never hindered or limited. This Advent, let us put aside our doubts with all their smallness. And let us raise our voices by joining Zechariah in proclaiming, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them” (1:68). Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born