That Part of Christmas I didn't know... the rest of the story... or the beginning really!

I learn so much when I teach.   I think I learn more than anyone sitting in the Bible Study.  I take things apart and try my best to dissect the words to the Bible.  And sometimes... like the case of this passage... I just read it and already have it memorized and don't really process any of it.  I've learned that is not the best thing to do!

I had read the book before, I had done the Bible study, I had recommended we do this study... but isn't it funny how the second, third, and even fourth time we do something new things have a way of showing up.  I can't say enough good things about the book because I love the spirit I have right now and the excitement of Christmas that is just around the corner.

I can honestly say that having to buy a new washer and dryer two weeks ago, a stovetop last week, and a control board for the furnace today doesn't have me in a bad mood.  I am quickly reminded just how lucky I am and hop right out of that pity party I was involved in.  This blog won't be about us as a family unless it relates to what we are doing.  I'm going to try to keep that separated.  I think my purpose in this blog is to just write my thoughts.  I want to write down what I think about things, write down what I find when I study, and write about how it relates to me.  Sisandbootwo will be more about Him than us.

I recently asked the ladies in the Bible Study where would they start with telling someone about Jesus.  I asked because I didn't know.  I mean there is so much to tell... I was thinking I had to go all the way back to Adam and Eve... literally.  But then... the sweetest little smile and voice said, "I'd start with His death!".  I loved that idea.  I probably should start there, but I'm going to start here... the part of the Christmas story that I have never really thought about and processed until now.

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (Luke 1:5-25)

Somehow in all my Christmas story listening... I missed this part.  So... here I go... writing down what a 46 year old woman learned and sees of relevance.

Zechariah and Elizabeth "were very old".  I laugh because considering that Mary was about twelve when she had Jesus, I must be ready for the grave.

I'm not sure how old they were, but I know that they hadn't had a baby.  I never had that problem, but I have seen women struggle with the disappointment of not having a child.  I'm not one to say anything to them because I really can't imagine any word that would ever make them feel better.  It's also one of those situations that I want to ask Jesus about when I get to Heaven... Why did you let some women have children who didn't really need them, and then you didn't let others who would have been great mothers have them?  I'll probably chicken out by then, but I do wonder that.

Zechariah was on duty as a priest to keep the incense burning at the temple.  All of the worshippers were praying outside, while inside an angel appeared to him.  He was afraid.  Who wouldn't be?  I can tell you right now that if an angel appears before me I might pass out.  I'm not good with thinking things through before I start spouting off at the mouth.  I will ask a million questions and probably won't even listen to what the angel says.  Zechariah was special... a chosen man... righteous.  The angel told him that his wife would have a child named John. The angel also told him that he would be a joy and delight and many people would rejoice at his birth.  He would never take wine or a fermented drink and would be filled with the Holy Spirit before is was born.  I can't imagine knowing that a baby is filled with the Holy Spirit before he is born.

I can remember when both my children were asking questions about Jesus coming into their hearts, I can remember how afraid Ben was to walk down the aisle, and I can remember all the questions that he asked.  How wonderful would it be to know that the Holy Spirit was already there?  As parents we pray over our children and hope they will be great vessels for Him, but we really don't know what will happen to them... it's one of those things we can't control... we don't know which Sunday or Wednesday... or day of the week that our babies will ask Jesus into their hearts.... but wouldn't it be nice to know that was a guarantee?

 After the initial shock of finding out they would have a baby, I am sure Zechariah was thrilled to know that department of being filled with the Holy Spirit was covered.  And to hear that his son would turn the hearts of people to prepare them for the Lord was even better news.  This miracle baby was about to pave the way for another miracle baby.  The people hadn't heard from the Lord in almost 400 years (I can't remember where I read that...don't quote it).... but it had been generations since they had heard from God.  I try to see God every day in things... and I do when I look for Him... I can't imagine what it was like not to have that peace of knowing He was right there.

I can't fault Zechariah for doubting... and pointing out to the angel that he and his wife were both old. I am like Zechariah in that way... I love to tell someone why I can't do something.  I'm not quite ready for that yet...  I think I have some where to be and can't go to that...  I think I would have a hard time doing that... I've used all those excuses before.  And then... AND THEN... the angel told him after doubting that he would be silent and not able to speak until the day it happens.  Oh my goodness... sometimes after I hear things that blow my mind I wish that God would mute me... but I don't have a filter and end up regretting things said.  Zechariah didn't have that opportunity anymore.  He was silent... and some believe deaf as well.  I can't imagine what he felt like... to see this vision of Gabriel... to hear he is going to have a son... and to know that the Holy Spirit would be in him at birth... most importantly, he would make the hearts ready for the Lord.  If all that happens (I'll fast forward and say it does), that would be a miracle in itself.  It was a miracle.  Christmas is filled with many miracles.

I mentioned earlier that the worshippers were outside the temple praying as Zechariah went inside.   When the angel left Zechariah came out and could not speak... they knew something had happened inside... they knew he had seen a vision.  They could look at him and tell.

Elizabeth became pregnant and stayed in seclusion for five months is told next in the passage.  I can't imagine... five months and see no one but Mark... we might kill each other.  He couldn't tell her what was going on... she was probably embarrassed for having a baby at such an "old" age... did people ridicule her... did they accuse her of having a separate father for the baby.... or did she just thank the Lord she was pregnant?  I want to ask her that question too.  Elizabeth knew that the Lord had shown her favor and taken away her disgrace.  Isn't it sad that people felt that way about her because she hadn't had a baby?

The birth of John the Baptist was foretold...

There are lots more things in the Bible foretold too... things that I need to pay attention to and get ready for... reading stories like this and understanding just how miracles happen make my heart long for more than just the surface reading of the Christmas Story... I hope I will be ready for an angel if one appears to me... I hope I will remember that God's plan is perfect... and He has a purpose in all the good and bad in my life.

I wish I could take credit for this link, but I can't... I LOVE THIS STORY... What a great realization of a man who sees God's plan/ story and just how much I'm like the little birds in this story...

For "the rest of the story"... click here....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY2pTAAn9pc