Luke 1:10-15 (NIV)

And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were 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 was 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 call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt like God wasn’t answering your prayers? How does Zechariah’s story encourage you to keep trusting in God’s timing?
  2. How would you love for God to show up in your life right now?
  3. What role does prayer play in your life during seasons of waiting, and how can you deepen that practice this Advent?

Devotion

In Luke 1:10-15, we see Zechariah in the temple, faithfully performing his duty while the worshipers outside are praying. Then, something extraordinary happens. An angel of the Lord appears to him at the altar of incense, a place where prayers are lifted up to God. Zechariah is terrified at the sight, but the angel quickly reassures him with comforting words: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” The prayer that Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, had long given up on—praying for a child—was about to be answered. Not only would they have a son, but this child, John, would play a critical role in God’s redemptive plan.

This moment is rich with meaning. First, it shows us that God hears every prayer, even the ones that seem to have faded with time. Zechariah and Elizabeth had likely prayed for years without receiving an answer, but God was working in ways they couldn’t see. Second, it reminds us that when God answers, He often does so in ways that exceed our expectations. Zechariah and Elizabeth wouldn’t just have a child—they would have a son who would be “great in the sight of the Lord,” filled with the Holy Spirit, and bring joy to many. John would go on to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on this passage during Advent, it’s a reminder to remain hopeful in seasons of waiting. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match ours. Like Zechariah, we might not always understand His ways, but we can trust that He hears our prayers and answers them according to His will and purpose. This Advent season, let’s prepare our hearts, remembering that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, often in ways that surprise us.