MAL 3: 1-4, 23-24
PS 25: 4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14
LK 1: 57-66
“The answers you seek never come when the mind is busy.
They come when the mind is still, when silence speaks loudest.”
-Unknown
For several months, Zechariah has been silent. The angel Gabriel commanded that Zechariah not be able to speak until the birth of John, because Zechariah doubted that Elizabeth could bear a son at her age.
Zechariah was in silence for nine months because he did not trust God’s plan. Imagine all of the times we have doubted God’s plan for us. God is teaching us that in times of doubt, we need silence to listen to Him. Alone time can be uncomfortable because we have an innate need to be with others. In moments of silence, we can better hear what God is speaking to us. I believe that the more silence we have in our lives, the greater our faith in God will be. Jesus often went alone to a quiet place to pray. In a world that is so connected, we need time to disconnect and be alone. Today, as we prepare for Christmas celebrations, take time to be alone. Be comforted in knowing that in those moments of silence, we are not all that alone, because God is at our side.
As Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced, even when something seems impossible, God surprises us. We need to practice diminishing our doubt in God, and instead waiting in joyful suspense for the gifts he may surprise us with in the coming year. Often, we miss God’s gifts, thinking they will be something big, such as the gift given to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Be aware of God’s subtle, yet significant gifts – a new friend; a smile from a passerby; an opportunity for growth. God is giving us gifts every day. Be aware and surprised for all that he gives us.
Be silent
Be aware
Be surprised
Kaitlyn Vokaty is graduate student studying Occupational Therapy.
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