December 25, 2023

Luke 1:1-25 (HCSB)
The Dedication to Theophilus
1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. 3 It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years. 8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 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. 18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, 25 “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

Pastor HD Jones
Merry Christmas!!!! Our focus this week is the life of John the Baptist, but we can’t forget that details are important. John’s parents (Zechariah & Elizabeth) were both from the tribe of Levi; they were older; and they were unable to have children. The rotation for Zechariah’s family (24 divisions that served twice a year for a week) had come and Zechariah was chosen by lot to burn the incense before the Lord.The altar of incense in the Holy Place was the closest object to the Mercy Seat and only the veil separated the two.The altar was consecrated at least once a year with the “blood of sacrifice” and the incense was to be burned every morning and night.The smoke that rose from the incense toward heaven represented the prayers of God’s people but also represents the intercession of Jesus at the right hand of the Father in heaven. It is here that the elderly priest is crying out to God on behalf of Israel when the angel Gabriel says, “your prayer has been heard”. Do you really believe that God hears us? Do you see prayer as a waste of time or a simple, menial task that seems pointless? Maybe we should pray about that.