But they were childless (Luke 1:7)

Imagine them as a young couple. Zachariah is a young priest and will spend his life serving God and ministering to people. Elizabeth is filled with the excitement of her new life as a wife and mother. For the first few years being childless is not a big issue but it does not take long for that to change. All the other women her age are raising children. Now everyone assumes she is being punished by God. 

Imagine the prayers they prayed appealing to God to intervene. But, God remained silent. Over time hope is lost and it is hard to remain joyful in their relationship with God. Then concerns about who will care for them in their old age become the topic of discussion. Waiting is really hard. It is harder still to remain joyful while waiting. Their fervent and constant prayers are going unanswered. 

Then the day comes when Zachariah is chosen to take the sins of all the people and enter the most holy place to light the candle of incense and offer prayers of repentance and seek forgiveness from God for the whole nation. In the holy place the the unimaginable happens - an angel appears. 

 “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

Zechariah expresses the result of years of disappointment and unanswered prayer in a statement of unbelief. In what may seem like an unkindness they are to call the boy John which means God is gracious. This is a game changer for the couple and the community. It is soon clear to everyone that God has done a miracle. 

All over the world there are people waiting to experience the joy we celebrate as disciples of Jesus. Some are praying for answers to life's problems. Others are turning to other gods for answers. Some are desperate to know what to believe. Into this environment we have the great opportunity and joy to bring hope and joy.

Zachariah's and Elizabeth's disappointment and despair turned to inexpressible joy when God, who is gracious, answered their prayers at a time and place that was precisely right. People across the street and around the world also need know there is hope and joy available in Jesus Christ. We are one of the teams God has called and mobilized for the great task of helping people find their place in God's great story.