As we are continuing to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we have in today’s Gospel the story of Gabriel revealing to Zechariah that his barren wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son, John.  After Gabriel explained to Zechariah what would happen, his first response was “How shall I know this?” Zechariah had little faith of how his wife was going to bear a son, just like many times we have little faith in God’s love and presence within us and trusting in God’s care for us.  I find myself asking God countless times, how do I do this?  How do I become holy?  How do I pray?  How do I discern what your will is for me?  How do I stand up for my faith in the world we live in today?  How do I love?  I am caught up in asking how, when the answer resides deep within.  The answer is Jesus Christ, who is within each and every one of us.  Through our relationship with Jesus Christ we have the strength to do all things.  One of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” –Philippians 4:13.  Jesus Christ is not weak therefore with Jesus within each and every one of us, we are not weak.  God responds to our endless questions with His gift of love.  God is patiently waiting for our response of yes to His love.

“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”  The angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard.  I can only imagine how difficult it was for Zechariah and Elizabeth to not be able to bear a child.  They must have prayed continually that God would grant them a child.  They kept faith in God throughout all of this time, and now that they are both advanced in years God has answered their prayers.  All in God’s timing.  Many times in my own life I get impatient, wanting to see the fruit of my prayer now, wanting an answer now, wanting to know God’s will for me right now.  God knows what we need and “at a time when He has seen fit” will reveal this to us.  This requires us to take a leap of faith, to trust in God and in God’s timing. 

Today in the closing days of Advent, let us continue to prepare for the coming of Jesus.  As the excitement of Christmas comes near and the excitement of spending time with family approaches, Lord, help us to not lose sight on the coming of Jesus Christ.  As we prepare our hearts, take that leap of faith and trust in God and “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7