The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)

Luke 1:68-79

This is another one of my favorite stories. I can't help but imagine Zechariah's words and actions as he spoke these words. Keep in mind that he had been stricken mute for almost a year and how frustrating that must have been for him, being a priest of his hometown temple. The circumstances of his being stricken mute, his disbelief of the word of God's messenger, would have most certainly added to his frustrations as he waited as patiently as he could for the day when he would be able to speak again arrived.

That day arrives in today's passage. I can always imagine Zechariah's voice as he begins to speak. If you've ever been quiet for a long period of time you would notice your voice takes a while to warm up and I have no doubt that being silent for as long as he was would have had Zechariah speaking softly at first, doing the best he can to form words through a cracked voice, then finally being able to speak loudly as he proclaimed his new son, John, to be the newest prophet of God.

I want to take a step back, however, and think about what that first moment was like when Zechariah regained his speech.

I sat with a dear friend recently as he told me about things that have been on his mind and in his heart for a few years. I don't want to say more except that this friend felt an extremely heavy burden lift as he opened himself enough to begin emptying his soul of the darkness he was carrying around. He had muted some things which needed a voice. When he was able to talk about these things he began to speak in a soft, cracked voice. Before too long his voice began to strengthen, as did he.

Later in the conversation I asked him how difficult it was for him to open up about those things and he said it was very hard. He added that once it started to come out, though, he felt a peace he hasn't felt in a long time.

What is it that you are carrying in you that needs to be said? Our voice needs to be heard. Your God waits for you to open up and Christ lives in this world so you have someone to talk to. Zechariah found his peace after finding his voice as did my friend. Perhaps you will find the same.