Today we get a further glimpse into the preparations GOD was making for the arrival of baby Jesus as foretold in the Old Testament. We get a birds eye view into the announcement of John the Baptist via the way of an angel meeting Zechariah. Place yourself in his shoes, Zechariah’s that is. He apparently has been praying for a child for some time because the angel says in verse 12 Zechariah’s prayer has been heard and your wife will bear a son.

I am certain this in not how Zechariah pictured his prayer being answered. He probably assumed if GOD were to grant his request, it would be Elizabeth letting him know of the pregnancy, not the other way around. Zechariah would be letting Elizabeth know. Yet, this is how GOD operates. In his economy, things usually aren’t status quo or what is expected.

This story, like many others, shows us that. It also shows us how awe-inspiring acts of GOD are. Zechariah, despite being a priest of the temple, was afraid. GOD is so holy and awe-inspiring that we tend to easily fear him. However, as the angel told Zechariah fear not. Fear not, GOD loves you. With the way of the world right now, how comforting to know, FEAR NOT, GOD LOVES YOU!

Luke 1.8-17

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is the hour of incense? [Hint - Google helps]

+ Who appeared to Zechariah [v. 11]

+ How did Zechariah respond [v. 12]

+ I have been taught there are 366 fear not verses in GODS Holy Word. That is a verse a day for every day, even on leap year. GOD truly does not want us to fear him. He wants us to revere him. His word says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment”. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4.18

+ What did the angel say to him [vs. 13-17]

+ How are we to respond to GODS plans for us?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there any way I have been acting from fear and not faith lately? Have I confessed this to GOD and asked for his help and forgiveness?

+ Have I shared this struggle with anyone else and asked for prayer?

+ Would finding a verse a day about fear help me overcome my fears?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ +Is there someone I can share the Christmas Story with in upcoming weeks or invite to small group

+ How can I be salt and light in the world this week

+ Who am I praying for to know Christ and the power of his resurrection?