These two, Zechariah and Elizabeth, are often overlooked and forgotten in the Christmas story, but they are vital to it. That is why their story is told in Luke chapter one. This godly couple had never had a child. They had grown old and Elizabeth was past the time for childbirth. One day when Zechariah was on duty and serving as a priest before God an angel came and spoke to Zechariah and told him of a an amazing event which would happen in their lives. Elizabeth would have a son. That son was to be named John. He would be filled with the Spirit from birth, and he would "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17). It was incredible news and Zechariah asked, "How can I be sure of this?". That question silenced his tongue until the son's birth! There would be no joyful bragging about the good news. He would say nothing until John is born.
Who is this Elizabeth? She is a relative of Mary. When the angel Gabriel delivered the news to Mary about her virgin birth he told Mary about Elizabeth. She was already in her sixth month. It was a different kind of miracle but a miracle. Gabriel simply said: "For nothing is impossible with God." Now, Mary, in her excitement hurried off to a hill country town to see Elizabeth. "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!". These are amazing events closely tied to each other. The Bible says: "Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home."
What a three months that must have been! These two relatives talking every waking hour about what had happened and was to happen. And Zechariah? What was he saying? NOTHING! The poor man could only listen to these two women and not put in a single word! I think this event is a vital part of that which we call "the Christmas story". John would become a voice crying in the wilderness. He would be privileged to baptize Jesus. He would become a martyr for his faith and pointed preaching.
As you relate the Christmas story put in a word for Zechariah and Elizabeth...and John. They are more important than the shepherds and wise men. When Zechariah finally regained his speech he prophesied. Here are some of his words: "And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins..." Luke 1:76-77.
Joyous Christmas!