Luke 1:24-25 “After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.” 

Lord, look what You have done for this old woman, that even as I believed I was drying up like a parched field, You have come and brought forth new life within me like a small seed sprouting out of the cracks in my heart. What you plant, water, and prune will always bear fruit that will last. I have had five months to hide away in the silence of our home and meditate on what You are doing. What a blessed time of waiting with You as I feel the flutters within me. This child you placed in my womb is already showing strength. 

When Zechariah came home from his service without the ability to speak, I was frightened. I didn’t understand, Lord, what had happened or why. Thankfully, he could gesture to explain what occurred and I was able to piece together a rough idea. I am not used to my husband this way. Not only has he been silent, but he seems more reflective. Lord, it is almost as if this imposed voiceless state has allowed him to stop and listen, to connect more closely with You. He is less busy with the world and more focused on reading the prophecies about the Messiah over and over. I can see it as he looks at me with love and curiosity, watching my ever-expanding form and feeling this new life gently kick and squirm. He is wondering about this child and our future, but even more, there is something moving within his heart.

And there is something moving under mine, O God. This child is in constant motion, and it is a reminder that You can do anything. That You hear our prayers and that You have a plan for Zechariah and me and this little boy, John. Lord, please hear the prayers of this old mother. Yes, Mother. That is now, not just a dream, but my name. You have taken away my disgrace. You have looked favorably upon me, and I am grateful with every fiber of my being. May I be the mother this boy needs. May he learn from me what it means to be humble and serve. May he learn how to love you deeply and wholeheartedly. May Zechariah be the father he needs. May he learn respect for your law and your scriptures. May he serve you with fire and passion. Our family is Yours. Do with us as you wish.

Reflection Questions: Elizabeth has had time to reflect on this miracle that has occurred. Zechariah’s silence has made them both more focused on listening and watching what the Lord is doing in their lives and the lives of the Jewish people. Have you ever truly let silence cover you and rest in the Lord? Is it a bit scary to step away from all the distractions and noise in your life, to empty your hands of the busy work, and just sit face to face with Jesus? What would you say to Him? What do you think He’d say to you? Maybe this weekend, you can carve out the space to just be with Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to find time to hide away with You, like Elizabeth. I want to sit with You and consider all the blessings You have given me, even those that hide in my suffering. You can do anything. You care about all of my concerns, no matter how big or how small. Silence can be scary and trusting You feels daunting sometimes. Letting go of control, even the illusion of it that I think I have, can be overwhelming. Help me, Lord. Bring on the silence and help me to rest in You. Amen.