Christmas Advent 2024: The Bigger Story In The Waiting

Christmas Advent: The Bigger Story In The Waiting

December 8th, 2024 | Casey Middle School

I love the Christmas season. The lights, the music, the snow, the movies, the gifts—it’s like the whole world feels a little more alive this time of year. I love Christmas traditions, driving around and looking at lights, the parade, and definitely decorating the house, every year seems to get a little more extra. But let’s be honest, Christmas isn’t always pure joy for everyone. For some, the holidays bring up bittersweet memories. Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one, finances get tougher, family relationships that are strained, maybe there’s no family Christmas because it's so broken, stress and anxiety increase around the new year, or painful moments tied to this season. Sometimes, the joy of Christmas feels like it’s competing with the weight of reality. (Can I get one of these if that’s you/head nod)

But here’s the thing: no matter how you view this season, or what experiences have shaped your past, there’s still so much to rejoice about as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This morning, my prayer is that your hope will be renewed as we remember the promises of God fulfilled—promises that brought us a Savior who stepped into our mess to rescue us from our sin.

Today, we’re talking about the bigger story of what God is doing in your waiting. It’s about the moments leading up to Jesus’ arrival—the plans, the promises, and the people who played a part in God’s perfect timing. So, let’s step into this story together and see what God has for us.

Illust: This time of the year makes us look ahead. It may not look like it at times, but I’m a planner. I’m always thinking ahead, dreaming big dreams, and trying to make adjustments to prepare for what’s coming. Whether it’s for my family, my job, or future, I love looking at the big picture and setting things in motion.

When we look at the first few chapters of Luke, we see that God was doing the same thing—but on a scale so much bigger than we could ever imagine. Long before we ever celebrated Christmas, God was already planning. He was orchestrating every detail leading up to the birth of Jesus. God, out of His great love, looked at His creation and brought about the greatest story ever told: the Creator stepping into creation as a baby to save all of humanity.

Passage: Luke 1:5-25 (Paraphrase)

We’re going to be reading portions of this story as we go, but first I want to give you an overview of what’s going on in this first chapter.

Alright, let’s set the scene. It’s the days of King Herod, and life in Judea is heavy. People are praying for a breakthrough, for God to do something—anything. And right in the middle of this story are Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple who are faithful and righteous. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, we don’t know if she was a cousin or aunt, but they were family. There’s this one unspoken pain in their life: no kids. And not for lack of trying—they’ve prayed, cried, and probably had a few late-night conversations wondering, “Why us?”

Zechariah is a priest, and one day he gets his big moment. He’s chosen to burn incense in the Temple. This is huge! Think of it like the Super Bowl of priestly duties—a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Zechariah walks in, probably a little nervous, thinking about how he’ll tell Elizabeth later. But just as he’s about to light the incense, BOOM—an angel shows up right next to the altar. Now, let’s be real: If an angel suddenly appeared to you, you’re not going to be like, “Oh hey, Gabriel.” No, you’re freaking out, just like Zechariah. The Bible says he was “terrified.” And Gabriel, being the cool angel he is, says, “Do not be afraid.”

Then Gabriel tells him some incredible news: “Zechariah, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you’re going to name him John.” Not only is John going to be their miracle baby, but he’s also going to prepare the way for the Messiah. This isn’t just a blessing for their family—this is about the kingdom! But here’s where the story takes a twist: Zechariah, a man of God, standing in the Temple with an angel right in front of him, says, “How can I be sure of this? I’m old, and my wife—well, let’s just say she’s advanced in years.” (Pro tip: Never call your wife old, even indirectly.)

Gabriel responds, “Do you know who I am? I’m Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God!” And because of Zechariah’s doubt, he gets put on mute—literally. No talking, no excuses, no explaining this one to Elizabeth. He walks out of the Temple, and everyone is like, “What happened in there?” But all he can do is make hand signals and shrug. This is the origin story of “Charades”... :)

Meanwhile, back at home, Elizabeth conceives just like Gabriel said. And when she does, her words are simple but powerful: “The Lord has done this for me.” It’s a reminder that God’s promises don’t work on our timeline, but when they come to pass, they’re always worth the wait.

So, here’s the thing: Some of you are in a season where it feels like God is silent, like the prayers you’ve been praying forever are just bouncing off the ceiling. What if I told you “God's silence isn't absence; it's preparation.” Let this story remind you: God’s delays are not His denials. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean He’s not working. Zechariah and Elizabeth were waiting in faith—and when God moved, it wasn’t just about them. It was about something bigger than them, much bigger. So, don’t quit. Keep believing, because the God who made the promise is the God who will bring it to pass.

Pray: (Pause 3-5 seconds)

Background:

To fully appreciate Luke’s Gospel, we need to understand its context. The Old Testament ends with Malachi, a servant and prophet of God. After Malachi’s final words, God was silent for 400 years. Then, in the Gospels, that silence is broken.

Malachi’s words foreshadow this moment:

“See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” (Malachi 3:1)

This is a powerful reminder that God always keeps His promises. When He speaks, He acts. As we step into Luke’s account, we’re witnessing the moment when God fulfills His word and begins to prepare the way for the Savior.

Main Points:

1. A Heart Of Obedience (Luke 1:5-9)

   1. “Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.”(Luke 1:6)
   2. Zechariah and Elizabeth weren't just faithful on the surface—their hearts beat with genuine obedience. Even when their prayers seemed unanswered, they continued to walk faithfully with God.
   3. Question: What do you do when it feels like God isn't answering your prayers?

   4. Pain Points:

      1. You've been faithful and obedient, yet life hasn't turned out as you hoped.
      2. You're showing up, believing for miracles, but you're still in the waiting room.
      3. You've poured out your heart in prayer, filled out every prayer card, but the breakthrough hasn't come... so now what?
         5. It might feel like your obedience is overlooked or your prayers are unheard, but God is never late, and He sees you in the waiting. Remember, Zechariah and Elizabeth were described as “righteous in God’s sight.” They were faithful in the small things long before they saw God's greater plan.
         6. Don't stop being faithful in the small things just because the big thing hasn't happened yet.
         7. God chose Zechariah and Elizabeth, and it was not because of their status, wealth, or popularity (they were old and lived modestly in a small town). Luke doesn’t say why God chose them. He does say they were righteous. Imagine an elderly couple in a rural area, faithfully serving without recognition. God often selects the unnoticed to carry out the unimaginable.
         8. When the angel Gabriel appeared and said, "Your prayer has been heard," it wasn't just about the coming Messiah; it was personal. Zechariah had been praying for a child for years. God hears your deepest desires, even those you've almost given up on.
         9. Transition: Faithful obedience often positions us for God’s greatest blessings, but let’s be real—faith doesn’t mean the journey is free of struggle. Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful, but when the moment came, Zechariah wrestled with doubt. Isn’t that just like our lives? In the bigger picture of life, even in our obedience and faithfulness, doubt still seems to creep in and we question whether or not God is working. Which brings us to our next observation: what happens when doubt meets God’s promises?

2. An Hour Of Doubt (V10-25)

   1. 18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

   2. Zechariah’s once-in-a-lifetime moment turns into an encounter with the angel Gabriel, who delivers the news he’s prayed for his entire life: “Your prayer has been heard.” But instead of celebrating, Zechariah responds with doubt. He couldn’t reconcile God’s promise with his present reality.

      1. And let’s be honest—how often do we do the same? We pray, we hope, and when God shows up, we second-guess it and question it? Are you for real God? Is this actually going to happen?!!!

         3. When Zechariah questioned God, there were consequences—his voice was taken. It was a punishment, but it wasn’t the end of the story. In his silence, God was still at work, and the promise was fulfilled “in the proper time”.

      2. Doubt doesn’t disqualify us and it doesn’t cancel God’s promise, but it can keep us from enjoying what He is doing while we wait.

         4. Question: Have you stopped praying for something because it feels impossible?
         5. Pain Point: Maybe you’ve been waiting for healing, a restored relationship, a child, or clarity about your purpose. Or maybe you have just come to a point in your life that you’re questioning if God is who He says He is. And now, the waiting feels unbearable, and doubt is starting to creep in.

      3. Response: God hears your prayers—even the ones whispered in frustration or given up in despair. Zechariah’s doubt didn’t cancel God’s promise; it simply reminded him that God works on His terms, not ours.

      4. Application: Don’t let doubt steal your expectation. Don’t let doubt rob you of hope. Keep praying, because God is still working in the waiting.

         6. Luke gives one reason for Zechariah’s silence: he did not believe. I also see it as a time for reflection and trust in God’s plan. Maybe you’re in a season where God’s discipline feels heavy, or His promises feel far off. Don’t give up in the silence. Don’t let doubt have the final word. Trust that God is working, even when you can’t see it, and let this moment deepen your dependence on Him. He’s not finished with you yet!
         7. *Prophetic Moment*
         8. Zechariah’s doubt cost him his voice for a season, but it didn’t stop God from keeping His promise.

      5. If you’re struggling with doubt, bring others in to the story… don’t doubt in isolation.

      6. If you’re struggling to believe in the promises of God, cling to your foundation… stay steady in prayer.
      7. Be honest with God, come to him as the father in Mark 9:24 “I do believe; help my unbelief!” God can handle that kind of prayer!
         9. And when the promise came to pass—when John was born—what started in silence erupted into praise. That brings us to the final point: a house of praise.

3. A House Of Praise (Luke 1:57-66)

   1. “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” (Luke 1:64)
   2. When John was born, Zechariah didn’t just celebrate quietly—he erupted in praise. The same voice that had been silent in doubt was now proclaiming God’s faithfulness. And it didn’t stop with their family. The entire community saw what God had done and stood in awe. This was no ordinary birth—this was God’s mercy on display for the world to see.
   3. Zechariah’s silence had given him time to reflect, and now his words were filled with worship. A house of obedience became a house of praise.
   4. Question: Is your home a place where God’s faithfulness is celebrated?
   5. Zechariah and Elizabeth didn’t let their past pain define their present joy. Their home became a testimony of God’s goodness. What if your praise became the spark that ignites faith in those around you? Even in hard times, let your gratitude declare God’s faithfulness.

Closing:

Advent is a season of waiting, expectation, and preparation—a time to reflect on how God fulfilled His promises through the birth of Jesus and what that means for us today. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reminds us that even in the waiting, God is working. Their story is deeply connected to the larger story of Christmas.

The Connection to Mary and Jesus’ Birth

Next week, we’ll look at Mary and the birth of Jesus, but this story prepares us for it in a powerful way. John’s life wasn’t just about him—it was about preparing the way for the Savior. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story reminds us that God doesn’t work in isolation. His plan unfolds through ordinary, faithful people, pointing to the extraordinary gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

*Have everyone stand up

Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, Advent prepares us to celebrate His coming. Zechariah and Elizabeth show us what it looks like to trust God in the waiting, to believe in His promises even when they seem impossible, and to respond to His faithfulness with worship.

What This Means for Us Today?

This Christmas, we’re invited into the same story. God is still working in the waiting, still keeping His promises, and still calling us to respond.

Maybe you’re in a season of waiting like Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Maybe you’re wrestling with doubt, or maybe you’ve struggled to find a reason to praise.

Whatever your story, the good news of Advent is this: God is with us. He sees you, He hears your prayers, and He has a plan for your life.

The story of Jesus didn’t start in the manger—it started long before, in hearts that were obedient, in moments of doubt, and in houses filled with praise. And just like Zechariah and Elizabeth were part of God’s plan, so are you. He’s calling you to trust Him, to prepare your heart, and to make room for the Savior this Christmas.

Invitation to Respond

As we move into a time of invitation, I want to ask you:

• Are you waiting on God for something today? Will you trust that He sees you in the waiting?
• Are you carrying doubts or disappointments that you need to lay down?
• Is God calling you to make your home a house of praise this Christmas?

And maybe, for some of you, this is the moment to prepare your heart to receive Jesus for the first time.

The altar is open. Come and bring your prayers, your doubts, your praises—bring it all to the God who keeps His promises. Let this Advent season be a time where you respond to His invitation to trust, worship, and walk in faith. He is with us, and He is more than enough.