And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." (Luke 1:23-25)

I wish I could have seen how Elizabeth took it when her husband let her know what had happened. Could she read? Did Zechariah write it down? Did he mime it? I don't know. But it wasn't long before she understood that God had answered their prayers, and she would have her longed-for baby.

And she kept herself in seclusion. What did that mean? Probably not complete isolation, given that her husband was mute and somebody had to deal with the shopping! But it sounds like she kept this mighty gift of God close to her heart—wrapped up in silence and wonder. Soon enough the rest of the world would find out. For now, it was a private joy—the faithfulness of God, who had heard their prayer and answered with love.

But Elizabeth wasn't the only one who was waiting for a miracle. So were all the people who held on to God's promises in faith—promises to send a Savior who would mend the broken world and make us beloved children of God. John's coming meant that Jesus was on His way—and He would give Himself for the life of the world—for you and for me.

What a wonderful thing to think about!

WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, turn my attention and my love to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* When you have wonderful news, do you shout it to the world or do you go quiet?

* Can you give an example from your own life?

* What do you think Elizabeth did with her time during those days?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Zechariah 1-4    3 John

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"