“In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God during his section’s turn of duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified, and fear overwhelmed him.” (Luke 1:5-12) 

The story of Advent is part of a patchwork of impossible events God made tangible, woven into the fabric of all the miracles that would come before and after. Let us consider Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple described as righteous yet afflicted by childlessness in their old age. Their story reminds us that God’s plans often defy human expectations. The angel Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord. This prophecy challenges our understanding of what is possible, illustrating that with God, nothing is impossible.

All hope seemed lost for Zechariah and Elizabeth, but God’s timing and purpose surprised them even in their abundant faith. What dreams of our own do we file away as missed opportunities and unimportant whimsies? How can we remain open to the notion that God has written our intentions on our hearts as part of His larger plan? John the Baptist’s birth and mission set the stage for the ultimate miracle—the coming of Jesus Christ.

This Advent, let us open our hearts to the miracles God can perform in our lives. Let us prepare for the arrival of our Savior with the same faith and anticipation that marked John the Baptist’s life. In doing so, we celebrate the miraculous events that lead to the glorious baptism of Jesus, our Redeemer.

Contributed by Christopher Verdery