December 10 — Luke 1:5–17

“In the days of Herod king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.

Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, the whole congregation was praying outside.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. 

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord… And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

— Luke 1:5–17

Luke introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth—faithful, righteous servants of God who have carried a long, quiet sorrow. Despite their obedience and devotion, their prayers for a child seemed unanswered for many years. Their story reminds us that faithful living does not shield us from longing, disappointment, or waiting. Yet God’s silence is never the same as His absence. In the very ordinariness of Zechariah’s service, in the quiet rhythm of incense and prayer, God breaks in with a message that changes the future. Advent is the season that teaches us to watch for God in the ordinary, to trust that He is working even when we cannot see the movement.

The angel announces not only a child but a calling—the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. John’s mission is to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” a theme central to Advent’s purpose in our lives. God is always preparing hearts, shaping lives, and creating pathways for His grace to enter more deeply. Zechariah’s story shows us that God remembers every prayer, even those we have stopped praying. His timing is perfect, not because it matches our desires, but because it accomplishes His redeeming purposes in ways we could not imagine.

As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions: What longings have you carried that feel unanswered or delayed? Where do you need the reminder that God’s silence is not His absence? How might God be preparing something in your life—even now—that you cannot yet see? And what would it look like for you to live this day “prepared for the Lord,” attentive to His presence and open to His leading?

For today’s practice, take a moment to light a candle or, if that is not possible, simply imagine the flicker of a small flame. Let it symbolize the prayers you have offered to God over the years—prayers remembered, prayers seemingly forgotten, prayers still waiting. Whisper the words, “Lord, I trust Your timing.” Then reflect on one simple step you can take today to open your heart more fully to God’s presence—a moment of prayer, a word of encouragement, a small act of obedience.

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for hearing my prayers even when the answers seem delayed. Teach me to trust Your timing and Your wisdom. Prepare my heart for the coming of Jesus, just as You prepared Israel through John. Fill me with hope, patience, and readiness for whatever You desire to bring forth in my life. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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