We’ve all asked these questions when we’re told that something we have hoped for that seems impossible is about to happen. Or when we think what someone is telling us sounds a bit outlandish and strange. These two questions, asked by key characters in the Gospel of Luke can help us step into the Luke’s story about the Birth of Jesus.
How can I be sure is the first question asked, and it’s asked by a priest named Zechariah with a wife named Elizabeth. (Yes, the priests were married) Zechariah was visited by an angel while he was standing at altar. Only the priests were allowed inside to tend the altar of incense, those who worshiped gathered around outside. Just as you or I would be startled if an angel visited us, so was Zechariah. The angel told him to relax, to not be afraid. Then the angel went on to tell him that his wife Elizabeth is going to have a son and that many people will rejoice, and that his son will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. The angel has another instruction; they should name the boy John, and also says this boy will turn the hearts or parents to their children and children to their parents. Another astonishing thing the angel tells Zechariah is that John will turn disobedient people ‘to the wisdom of the righteous. . . ” When the angel is finished speaking, Zechariah asks how he can be certain of all this because he and his wife are pretty old. The angel doesn’t say to him, because I said so – the angel responds telling him his name, and that he, Gabriel stands in the presence of God and was sent to speak this good news to him. Then we read that Zechariah is made mute because he didn’t believe this good news.
It seems, from Zechariah’s response, the news that was most unbelievable to him was that of having a son. But knowing the priests burned incense in their time of service not only as a personal action, but as a community action, it seems there was more that he must have been praying about. If you read one of my recent posts about people asking “How long . . ” questions. It makes sense that Zechariah and the community of priests would have been praying for God to do something to turn people who are fighting back to respecting and loving one another, that God would help in some way, to raise up some people who could lead disobedient people into a better way of life. This kind of prayer, thought, hope, is common for elderly people. Some people think that can never happen. Others believe it’s possible, but every bit as difficult as having a baby when you’re beyond your years. Zechariah was probably familiar with those older prophecies about the birth of a child that would take place in the future. Perhaps Zechariah had more questions that the angel didn’t allow him to ask. How can I be sure my son is going to be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth? How can I be certain the child is really going to be mine? How can I be certain this child will be successful in leading people? Why me? Parenting is not a piece of cake, you know . . Neve mind all the possible questions he might have had. Elizabeth does indeed become pregnant and that is a big deal, because in those days, if you couldn’t have children it was shameful – must have been because you had some kind of secret sin or that God had no favor toward you. So, Elizabeth, while thrilled, stayed in seclusion for five months, and then exclaimed the Lord had taken away her disgrace. Zechariah probably has much to say, maybe he writes her notes, but he can’t speak yet.
The next section of Luke’s Gospel is about the encounter between the same angel, Gabriel, and Mary. Gabriel appears to her and says, Hello there young lady, Don’t be afraid of my appearance. God has highly favored you, and you are going to have a son who will save the world from sin. When she asks, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Gabriel tells her the Holy Spirit will do it and that her cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a child. Mary simply says, “I am the Lord’s servant, let it be to me according to His word.” Such simple and elegant trust. (Luke 1:1-38 NIV)
So, what does this have to do with us, who today are living in a world full of what seems to an awful lot of unrighteousness, where there are still squabbles between fathers and sons, mother’s and daughters, husbands and wives? Where people still question the validity of who can be God’s servant, when and where and how? People still disagree as to who has the right to affirm or dis-affirm or discern, the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today?
How do we respond to the thought of angelic visitations and visions? How do we respond to messengers who bear the good news, telling us not to give up hope because ‘help is on the way’ – – –
The Holy Spirit, we are told, is given to everyone who asks, without favoritism. You don’t have to be a certain age, race, gender or religion. you don’t have to have a certain bloodline. The Christmas story is about us – and our response to God’s messengers, God’s message, God’s Holy Spirit, God’s Love, God’s Call and God’s Desire for us to turn our hearts toward each other and begin honoring God in our relationships with one another. I wonder if God ever wonders, How long will it be before the people of the Earth will receive me, my Son and my Spirit?
Maybe you wonder, How Can I Be Sure God is Real, or the Holy Spirit is Real, or Jesus is Real. Perhaps this is a good year for you to decide to try a simple prayer, “Lord, I want to know if you are real. If you are, please give me the gift of your Holy Spirit and reveal your work in my life and the world. AMEN”
Let us Pray,
Lord God, we so often get caught up in all the trappings that come with the stuff of sin, doubt, and fear. Still, you continue to speak to us, to empower people to speak, write and share about the wonderful news of what you desire to give us. Indeed, nothing we can give will ever be greater than the gifts you are willing to give us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us all to open our hearts and minds to receive your Holy Spirit, to keep our hearts turned toward you and one another, not only during the season of Christmas, but throughout our lives. Forgive us for the times we have neglected to seek your wisdom and have made messes of our relationships with one another and you. Thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit, our Helper to guide us into living in this world in more loving and peaceful ways, that we may experience more rejoicing while we live upon this earth. AMEN
