Journey to Bethlehem: An Advent Challenge

Day 5: Read Luke 1:5-10

Zechariah and Elizabeth 

Luke 1:5-10 describes Zechariah as a good man, who served as a priest and his wife, who was a good woman. Scripture states that this couple followed the law and feared the Lord. They were without fault, but they were unable to have a son. It says that Elizabeth was unable to have a child and that she was very old. Then one day Zechariah was burning incense in the temple and an angel appeared to him. 

In Zechariah's time it was thought that people who followed the law would be blessed. If the Lord didn't find any fault with them they would be healthy, prosperous, and have many children to leave a legacy for them. Luke 1:5-10 reveals that this isn't necessarily the case. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were good people, who followed the law and were without fault, yet it says that they didn't have a son. The birth of a son is important in their time because a son represents prosperity. A son will take care of his parents and he will continue on the legacy of the family. 

It is important to understand that Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people, who followed God, and yet they still had unanswered prayers because it sets the stage for something miraculous. God didn't ignore the reality that this couple wanted a child, but He had a much larger plan for the child than becoming a priest. Luke 1 goes on to state that an angel visited the couple and told them Elizabeth would give birth to a son. This was preposterous because of her age, yet God made it happen. There was some unbelief and this caused Zechariah to be punished, he was unable to speak until his son was born, but his son was still born. That son was named John and it was he who prepared the way for Jesus. 

I think the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is important to remember at this time of year because there are a lot of unanswered prayers and there is this tendency to think it impossible. Perhaps, when thought of in human standards, it is impossible, but with God nothing is impossible. God took these good people and answered their prayers in such a way that they will be remembered always. Zechariah and Elizabeth not only received the gift of their son, but they also were able to witness their son pave the way for the Messiah. That had to be so much more than they could have realistically hoped for. Whatever it is that you are worried about or afraid won't be answered this Christmas, have faith, because God can do anything. He sent John to Elizabeth and Jesus to Mary and through them the good news of salvation was spread. Just imagine the ways He can answer your prayers and use that answer to spread good news to so many more people.

November Challenge: Day 27

Today has become known as Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving when millions flock to the stores in search of a good deal. Over the years Black Friday has merged into Thursday evening and threatens to take the place of a Thanksgiving gathering. In years past I have even spent Thursday night  at the stores searching for the best deals, but it was always after family time had ended. There is quite a bit that could be said about Black Friday shopping, both good and bad, but that isn't what this is about. This year, both because I was sick and because I was drained from the last few weeks, I opted out of shopping Thursday evening and I don't really feel I missed anything. I was able to sit in my pjs  and scroll through online deals at various stores. This year most of the in-store deals were also available online, which is a wonderful improvement to Black Friday. I am thankful for these deals.

Black Friday has gotten a bad reputation and I completely understand why, but it isn't all bad. For some, these deals are the only way they can afford to purchase the items. Items they either needed or wanted to purchase for Christmas. Christmas is much more than presents, but giving has become the outlet we have for expressing our love for one another. There have been years when I had a very small budget in which to get everyone gifts and the ingredients I needed for holiday baking. If it weren't for the deals I found on Black Friday I wouldn't have been able to finish my Christmas list. Then there are other years when some item I needed had broke, but I couldn't afford to replace it and then I would see it in an affordable price range at a store on Black Friday. This isn't every year, but it has happened and when it has Black Friday deals have been a wonderful blessing. 

Shopping isn't necessarily a bad thing, just like with anything else, and depends entirely on your intentions. The Bible says that we are to store our treasures up in heaven and not on earth where they can rot away. Material possessions are not going to last and ultimately these items stay on earth when our bodies have departed. That is just one of those facts of life. These items we purchase and store up on earth can also overwhelm us, causing unfortunate consequences. Our living spaces can become cluttered, resulting in added stress, but our minds can also become obsessed with these items until we become convinced that we need them. If we are not careful then our lives can begin to be controlled by material possessions. This is when shopping becomes bad. If we care more about material possessions then other people we have fallen short. If we are willing to sacrifice what shouldn't be sacrificed in order to get the latest product then we have fallen short. 

Deals are not evil and shopping isn't bad, but we can make it that way. Personally, I love to search around for the best deal and knowing I saved money makes me happy. Yet, I'm not going to stampede people to achieve that goal or pepper spray someone in the process. I am also not going to yell or demand my way when store employees are just trying to do their jobs. Getting the best deal has allowed me to do more for others and even allowed me the extra funds to shop for children that won't receive much, such as the children that are part of Angel Tree. These moments are moments that I treasure because I know they wouldn't have been possible without budgeting and finding deals. Shopping with other people in mind is a great way to keep your perspective in the flurry of good deals and pressure to buy more and more. 

What are you thankful for today?

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 15: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers. Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord and humility comes before honor.

God wants us to speak gently and give thoughts to our answers. Anyone who has worked with children knows the effect a harsh word has on the spirit. Our words should bring healing and happiness. God wants us to be patient and to calm quarrels. Our lives should be symbols of peace not conflict. God wants us to plan with the help of advisers. Rushing into plans leads to failure: think and then act. Don't let success make you forget your humility.

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13: Proverbs of Solomon (Cont.).

A wise son heeds his father's instruction and from the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.  One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

God wants us to listen to advice and guard our lips lest we be led to destruction. How often have we spoke the thoughts on our mind only to find those thoughts have hurt people we cared about? God wants our words to bring healing and not destruction. Again, we aren't to pretend to be something we aren't. God wants us to act with knowledge and to leave an inheritance for our children's children. We should live lives based on wisdom.