Zechariah writes, His Name is John!
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Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God!
Are you needing calm in your life? Today, we are dropping in on a very special celebration of John the Baptist’s birth. You might hold the baby, newly named John, or share with all the neighbors your astonishment at the miracle birth. You will hear Zechariah speak for the first time in 9 months. When he does, he teaches us the value of stillness with God. His silent retreat results in the joyous Benedictus blessing. Stillness with God will do the same for you, giving you more joy and peace!
Advent JOY & the Celebration at Zechariah’s Home
Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events And Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.
Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you just picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife Elizabeth. Can you hear yourself say:
“This must be some kind of child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Poor old Zechariah was struck mute the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:
The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59)
- The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
- Circumcision was established as a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service and a member of the Jewish people.
- Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
- The ritual of circumcision has a few similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism: It is celebrated with family and friends and Godparents.
- For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).
The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66)
- When Elizabeth, says no to the name, Zechariah confirms, His name is JOHN.
- Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth is open and his tongue is freed.
- St. Ambrose writes, “With good reason was his tongue loosed, because faith untied what had been tied by disbelief.”
Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79)
- In stillness with God, Zechariah grew in faith, peace and trust.
- Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord.
- Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
- Zechariah expresses thanks for: (1) The promises that would be fulfilled in the Messiah (Genesis 22: 16-17; Exodus 2: 24; Ezekiel 36: 28) and (2) His Son John, prophet of the Most High, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.
Responding to the Scripture
- Seek God in stillness. Pick out a morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with Him and LISTEN. You may find new vision, new peace and a deeper relationship with God – the one God wants with you.
- Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sin, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from the Advent JOY Podcast #4 at my website: WRAPyourselfinJOY.com.
Click here to find the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.
