This morning we begin our meditations on the birth of Christ during Christmas week. We will take four people and watch their faith as the story of the first Christmas unfolds. You are invited to read each post this week and add your comment. Can’t wait to read what we observe together!

Zechariah’s Faith

Luke 1 records the first appearance of the miraculous in scripture in four hundred years. No wonder Zechariah is taken aback by the appearance of an angel. However, Gabriel says he should not be surprised about the promise of a son- he has been praying for it. The priest that Matthew describes as righteous will now be mute until John the Baptist, the fulfillment of the angel’s promise, is born. What should we learn about faith?

1. Unbelief chooses to see my circumstances over the Word of God. Walking by faith means giving priority to the message of the angel. Walking by sight means giving priority to the circumstances of life, old age and barrenness.
2. Faith chooses the Word of God over everything. However improbable my circumstances make the promise of God seem, trust the Word of God.
3. Maturity must include the habit of faith. It is harder to get my eyes off my circumstances if I have not made a habit of trusting God’s Word. Zechariah is described as walking blamelessly before God. If he is tripped up by the wonder of the promise of God, then unbelief is a danger to us as well!