Luke 1:11-13 “Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.” 

What is this? Where is that light coming from? I hear a voice, yet I am supposed to be alone. Maybe this incense is muddling my brain? No. There is someone standing to the right of the altar. It is so bright that it is hard to see, but I know I’m not alone now. Fear grips my soul and its icy fingers reach around my heart, squeezing tightly. 

I’m speechless. I know the stories from our Scriptures. I’ve heard of such things, where angels of the Lord appeared to our Fathers, but me? Why me? Why now? Why is this messenger here, standing right next to the altar where I am serving? Through the rolling waves of incense, I can see the bright light. I can hear the voice with its clear tone calling me by name and saying, “Do not be afraid.” I feel my legs tremble beneath me and fear I cannot continue to stand. “Your prayer has been heard.”  What prayer? My prayer for our people? Is the Messiah to come soon? 

“Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you will name him John.” I suddenly realize he is speaking about Elizabeth, my wife. My heart stops again. I feel frozen. Does he mean our prayer? That is the one to be answered; the silent plea that never leaves me?  He just said that she will bear me a son and we are to name him John. I can’t believe it. Will I really have a son? The faint images begin bouncing in my mind. What will he look like? Will he be strong, playful, or serious? Will he have eyes like mine or his mom’s smile? I rub my eyes and shake my head. What is happening right now? 

Even as my heart is racing and I gaze at the beauty of this messenger, I want to hear more. Yet, part of me wants to rush home and see Elizabeth. How do I tell her? Will she believe me? What if this doesn’t happen and I’ve gotten her hopes up? I need to hear more. I need proof. How can I believe such a thing as this is real?

Reflection Questions: Do you believe that God still sends us messages today, like He did for Zechariah? Maybe we don't have an angel surrounded by bright light speaking in a loud voice, but have you ever had a moment where you believed God was speaking to you? Have you ever longed to hear His voice? What can you start doing today, that might allow you to listen more attentively to the message He wants you to hear?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, are you speaking to me? I long to hear Your voice and understand what You desire of me? Who do You want me to be? How do You want me to live? What blessings are You longing to shower upon me, if I would only open my hands to receive them. Help me to quiet the busyness around me and look for Your messengers in my life, so that I can hear You speak. Amen.