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In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5-7)
Luke starts his story on a grim note. Because “the days of Herod” are more than just a date marker. They are a reminder that Judea was ruled by a mad king—a man who saw enemies everywhere, and even killed his own wife and children when he thought they were plotting against him. He was not a safe man to have in power. Those were dark days.
They were even darker for Zechariah and Elizabeth because of personal grief. Although they loved God and walked in His ways, they were never able to have children, and now they were facing old age. Was God punishing them? No doubt the neighbors thought so—it’s the kind of thing people always say. And that would make life even darker.
But in the middle of this darkness, God was preparing to send light. He was about to send His own Son Jesus, the Light of the world, into the world as a human being. Jesus was coming to save us all through His suffering, death, and resurrection. And Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son would prepare the way for Him.
God had not forgotten them. He hasn’t forgotten us, either.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, You see the darkness in my life. Send me the light of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What makes your days dark right now?
- Do you ever think God has forgotten you?
- How do you find help and hope in Jesus?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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