The Real Beauty of the Season

I find myself so blessed in the little things this season. Here I am up in my study working on Sunday's sermon. Meri is downstairs putting up Christmas decorations. Familiar Christmas music is playing gently throughout the house. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The word of God comes and speaks eternal peace and joy to me. I am a blessed man. Zechariah went to the temple to observe his duty as priest of the day. He would light the incense and the smoke would remind the people that their prayers ascended to the presence of God. This was a special day just to enter into the Holy of Holies. Yet God had a surprise waiting for the old man. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that he and his old wife would be having a baby son.

Life became very interesting and different for old Zach. He was speechless til the child was born and then he had to raise the young man who would be the forerunner to Jesus, the Messiah! Life can take some strange turns and we realize we are so blessed. May this Christmas season surprise you with the joy and peace of God. Expect it. Seek it. Leave time and space in your busy schedule for God to surprise you.