The Letter Exchange

   

(This Advent, we will prepare for the coming of the Christ Child through a series of fictional letters filled with hope, trust, and endless possibilities.)

My Dearest Elizabeth,

  I know I have frightened you today.  I am mute because of my own disbelief.  In my heart, I doubted God's goodness. He has prepared something wonderful for our future, and in a moment of weakness, I faltered. Do not worry, though, and keep your faith steady and joyful. Today, the Angel Gabriel appeared on the right side of the altar as I burned the incense!

  Elizabeth, I have never experienced an angel of the Lord appearing before me. I was overwhelmed with fear and awe. He came to deliver a special message to us. The angel Gabriel said, "Do not be afraid, Zachariah,  for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb."

  Elizabeth, you will bear me a son! Let us put aside our thoughts about our age and instead rejoice in the Lord's mercy and kindness!  We will be parents, and our son will do mighty deeds for the Lord!  Gabriel said, "He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah." My dearest wife, our son will be a great prophet who will prepare the people for the Lord! Our son will prepare the way for the Messiah!

  My heart is overflowing with happiness! Though you will not hear the sound of my voice for now, let us unite our hearts in prayer. We must not delay; we must prepare immediately.  Let us dedicate ourselves entirely to His plan of salvation.  Let us render our hearts to the Lord,  "for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." The day of the Lord is coming; let us be well prepared.  Let us pray that the Lord guides us with His gentle love. 

Forever yours,

Zachariah