Advent2025_Dec4
Silent, but Still Working
Luke 1:18–25
Even when our faith falters, God’s promises remain sure.
When Gabriel’s announcement finally came, Zechariah’s heart stumbled on the edge of belief. The words were too wonderful, too long delayed. “How shall I know this?” he asked. “For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
There’s honesty in his question. It’s the kind that surfaces after years of disappointment. There’s also a trace of unbelief. Still, notice the grace in his words. He calls himself old, but speaks of Elizabeth with affection and dignity: “advanced in years.” Even in doubt, there’s tenderness. Scripture lets us see both the weakness and the warmth of this aging priest—a man who loves his wife and struggles to believe that God might still use them.
Gabriel’s reply is firm but merciful. Because Zechariah is seeking a sign, the angel gives him one: his voice will be taken until the promise is fulfilled. The God who seemed silent has now silenced His servant, but not in anger. This is a gracious discipline meant to deepen faith. For nine months Zechariah would live in holy quiet, watching God’s Word unfold without being able to explain or defend it.
And during that silence, God keeps working. Elizabeth conceives, just as Gabriel said. The barren womb becomes fruitful; the whispered prayers of decades are answered. She hides herself for five months, perhaps to let the wonder settle in. Every heartbeat within her is a testimony that God’s promises cannot fail, even when His people falter.
Advent invites us into that same quiet trust. When we doubt or despair, God’s faithfulness does not waver. He keeps working in the silence, fulfilling His Word in ways we could never orchestrate. The same God who quieted Zechariah’s tongue is still shaping hearts to wait, believe, and rejoice when the promise finally comes to pass.
___________
For Young Ones: What happened to Zechariah when he didn’t believe the angel right away? What did God do next?
For Older Ones: When have you struggled to believe God’s promise or timing? How can Zechariah’s silence help you grow in quiet trust?
Pray: Lord, thank You that Your promises never depend on our strength. When we doubt, teach us to rest in Your power and wait for Your timing.
Family Practice: Take five minutes tonight to sit quietly together with no music or words. Thank God silently for the ways He’s been faithful, even when you’ve found it hard to trust.
Luke 1:18–25
Even when our faith falters, God’s promises remain sure.
When Gabriel’s announcement finally came, Zechariah’s heart stumbled on the edge of belief. The words were too wonderful, too long delayed. “How shall I know this?” he asked. “For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
There’s honesty in his question. It’s the kind that surfaces after years of disappointment. There’s also a trace of unbelief. Still, notice the grace in his words. He calls himself old, but speaks of Elizabeth with affection and dignity: “advanced in years.” Even in doubt, there’s tenderness. Scripture lets us see both the weakness and the warmth of this aging priest—a man who loves his wife and struggles to believe that God might still use them.
Gabriel’s reply is firm but merciful. Because Zechariah is seeking a sign, the angel gives him one: his voice will be taken until the promise is fulfilled. The God who seemed silent has now silenced His servant, but not in anger. This is a gracious discipline meant to deepen faith. For nine months Zechariah would live in holy quiet, watching God’s Word unfold without being able to explain or defend it.
And during that silence, God keeps working. Elizabeth conceives, just as Gabriel said. The barren womb becomes fruitful; the whispered prayers of decades are answered. She hides herself for five months, perhaps to let the wonder settle in. Every heartbeat within her is a testimony that God’s promises cannot fail, even when His people falter.
Advent invites us into that same quiet trust. When we doubt or despair, God’s faithfulness does not waver. He keeps working in the silence, fulfilling His Word in ways we could never orchestrate. The same God who quieted Zechariah’s tongue is still shaping hearts to wait, believe, and rejoice when the promise finally comes to pass.
___________
For Young Ones: What happened to Zechariah when he didn’t believe the angel right away? What did God do next?
For Older Ones: When have you struggled to believe God’s promise or timing? How can Zechariah’s silence help you grow in quiet trust?
Pray: Lord, thank You that Your promises never depend on our strength. When we doubt, teach us to rest in Your power and wait for Your timing.
Family Practice: Take five minutes tonight to sit quietly together with no music or words. Thank God silently for the ways He’s been faithful, even when you’ve found it hard to trust.
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