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And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. (Luke 1:59-62)
Just imagine how frustrated Elizabeth must have been with the neighbors. They won’t listen to her when she tells them the baby’s name—no, they have to go “over her head” to ask Zechariah. She probably wanted to throw something at them.
That kind of thing can make you feel like you’re invisible—like people are looking right past you to find someone who really matters. If it happens often enough, you may start believing them—that in fact you don’t matter, you have no value, and your feelings and opinions don’t count.
But God doesn’t overlook us—even the last, least, and lowest of us. It was for us that He was born into our world as a helpless baby. It was for us that Jesus taught and served and cared for people—and then allowed Himself to be betrayed into death, though He had done nothing wrong. Jesus knew that His death would set us free from the power of death—and His resurrection would lead directly to ours. How much do you matter? Enough for Jesus to give Himself for you—gladly.
WE PRAY: Lord, when I feel invisible, remind me that You see me and care for me, please. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What do you need to feel like you matter in the world—like someone cares about you?
- What do you see in Jesus’ words and life that show you that concern?
- How can you help others who feel invisible?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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