April 11, 2025
Luke 1:7-15
But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood,
to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
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.”
You are an amazing prayer and serene God!
We are so very grateful when we look back,
and we see the prayers of our ancestors and grandparents being answered
because of your faithfulness.
As we read your word and we read about Zechariah and Elizabeth,
who prayed in their youth,
but it was in their old age that you answered in your perfect timing.
Thank you for “Kairos” time, which is God’s divine timing.
Thank you that you know our beginning and our ending,
and you know the time and place of all of our blessings.
Thank you for the birth of John, born to parents in old age.
Thank you for the joy of parenthood and the gift of children.
Thank you for those who were never biological parents,
but who “parented” countless children over the ages.
Some of us have been the recipients
of those blessings and that love.
Thank you for your word: to not be afraid,
even when we don't understand!
Thank you for sending ministering angels on earth,
some of whom walk among us each day
to give us words of encouragement and hope.
Thank you for all those who walk by faith and not by sight,
Even in the midst of what they cannot see.
Bless your people, O God,
with an overwhelming expectation
that joy will indeed come in the morning.
It is the joy of the Lord that is our strength
and we praise you today.
We worship you, we adore you,
and we bless you
in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
