This month of Advent, we all tend to concentrate on Scriptures surrounding the birth of Jesus. Familiarity of the events, combined with the busyness of the month, can often result in the story being skimmed over rather quickly. Please tell me I am not the only one guilty in so doing.
In my desire to read and absorb the story anew, I have slowed down in my reading. Often I read the same passage for a few days. I am amazed at the difference it has made.
Zechariah is the husband of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. I knew he was the priest who served in the Temple, when the events were to begin to unfold. While in the Temple, he was visited by an angel who announced that he and his wife would soon have a son. Both were quite old in age, probably past the age of childbearing. Zechariah questioned the angel and was struck dumb for the length of the entire pregnancy.
The baby was born and they named him, John, just as the angel had requested. It was then Zechariah’s speech returned and he spoke for the first time, giving a prophecy about the coming Savior.
I seemed to have overlooked until recently … Zechariah also prophesied over his own son:
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people of their sins.”
(Luke 1: 76-77, NLT)
John was too little to comprehend all that was being said over him. But Elizabeth and Zechariah himself heard and understood every word spoken. They raised their son with the constant awareness of his identity and how God was going to use him.
My children are grown now and I truly pray that I have spoken words of affirmation and encouragement to them while they were living at home. As parents (and grandparents), may our words be life-giving, helping our children to know God and His ways. May our words cause them to grow in the awareness that He has a plan which He has crafted just for them.
“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, NLT)
But here is the thing … we, their parents, need to hear our words as well. Our words will remind us:
- Our children are precious and made in the image of God.
- They are a treasure, entrusted to us for a season.
- God has a plan for their lives which He will fulfill.
- We will be held responsible for our parenting.
- And we will also be responsible for the words we have spoken.
- Our children are the ones who will carry on after we are gone.
Right there in the midst of a familiar story lay a parenting lesson.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Reflect .
There was a little change which took place here yesterday. I want to thank both Mandy Roberson and Traci Little for the beautiful redesign of my site. They were patient and kind in helping to create a new space for my thoughts. May you both have a Merry Christmas & a 2016 filled with the goodness of our God!
It is amazing how God can speak to us through familiar passages in a whole new perspective. Thanks for sharing and your new design looks fabulous!
Thank you so much, Alice. I am always amazed when I find new insights in a familiar passage. His Word will never grow stale if we ask Him to bring us understanding each time.
Oh Joanne … what a lovely light and airy space you’ve created … so warm and inviting. Just a blessing!
Thank you so much, Linda. I am so glad you stop here!
Thank you for the encouragement. I’m learning on a daily basis with my toddler the importance of daily affirmation and firm discipline. Blessed to be your neighbor for Testimony Tuesday.
Oh, Samantha, it is amazing how the two are needed & go hand in hand. May you continue to be consistent. Glad you stopped here. May you have a Merry Christmas!
Our sermon this past weekend was on Luke 1 and the prophecies surrounding John’s birth. So many details I have overlooked as well! It is so neat to read the same passages and have the Lord teach us new things each time! 🙂
You were such a pleasure to work with! I am so happy Traci and I could help bring this space to life for you! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Mandy, it is amazing how a familiar word can fall fresh. And I am so grateful it does.
And thank you for being such a help. Praying for this new space to bless many.
Merry Christmas!
I love Zechariah and Elisabeth’s story — and their faithfulness. I had never noticed his words over his son. Thank you!
Michele, I also loved that when Zechariah’s speech returns, his mouth is filled with praises and prophecies. No doubts. No questions.
It’s so easy to forget the impact our words have on those around us… especially our children. Our words carry the power of life and death. I need to make it a priority as a mother to speak life into the lives of my daughters. Thank you for sharing this today at #RaRalinkup.
Alyssa
Alyssa, I had thought of that verse as well when writing this post. May we be mindful that our words can have a lasting impact.
Words spoken by angels did have an impact. Angel encounters are rare, but they do still happen. Words that seemed impossible were believed. May we believe as we read the scriptures, and as you did – slow down and read them again. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Hazel – I always enjoy linking with you & reading your thoughts. It truly is in slowing down that we are then able to read with fresh insight. And then our response is – the wonder of it all! Such love. Blessings!