Waiting On a Promise

An Advent reading for December 18.

Stephen Crotts

Week 4: Immanuel


As we journey through the events surrounding the Nativity, we contemplate the Incarnation. Jesus—the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World—became flesh and dwelt among us. As Isaiah’s prophecy foretold, he is “God with us.” Jesus is Immanuel.

Read Luke 1:5–25

The Old Testament concludes with a promise of one who would reconcile the hearts of fathers to their children. Those words ending the book of Malachi echoed over centuries of silence. In the period of waiting between the Old and New Testaments, our Mighty God was setting up the tumultuous world stage for the coming of the Prince of Peace.

There is a time for everything, and Luke 1 is an intricate tapestry of divine appointments. The setting was an appointed time in history: during the reign of Herod. Zechariah was appointed for a once-in-a-lifetime priestly duty. Elizabeth’s long years of infertility were an appointed impossible situation that set up the miraculous conception of John the Baptist. The couple’s priestly lineage was an appointed heritage for raising an anointed son. And Gabriel was the appointed messenger to announce God’s appointed purpose for John the Baptist.

When they were young and starting out their life together, Zechariah and Elizabeth were likely full of hopeful expectations about their future. But as infertile months turned into years, the hope of having a child ebbed away and felt like a burden of “disgrace” (Luke 1:25).

When we’re introduced to this couple, they’re now “very old” yet are continuing to walk with God. This faithfulness deserves our commendation—rather than criticism of Zechariah’s moment of unbelief. After all, this aged man had grown so familiar with disappointment.

Zechariah had persevered in prayer through seemingly dark and silent years. But on this day, as he performed the priestly duty of lighting the fire to burn incense, Gabriel appeared and announced that God had heard his prayer. God was with Zechariah—even when heaven seemed silent. The Light of the World had not forgotten; he was sovereignly preparing history for the appointed time.

Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story offers us perspective on our own seasons of waiting. We’re reminded that there’s no expiration date on our prayers. The faithfulness of this couple unfolded into a life-giving season of joy as God’s promise came to fulfillment through their child, the forerunner of the Messiah.

But as we enter into their story, there is also no skipping over their decades of infertility. We enter into this painful part of their lives too. For in their long sorrow, we see their strong faith.

Elizabeth understood that in this miracle, God had shown her special favor. Many biblical heroes did not receive what they hoped for or what had been promised them this side of eternity (Heb. 11:39). The ultimate fulfillment of their faith was beyond them—as it also is for us. This Advent, in our waiting, there is a bigger picture being painted—in God’s appointed time. Immanuel—God with us—is still faithful to his promises today.

Dorena Williamson is a church planter, speaker, and the author of ColorFull, The Celebration Place, Crowned with Glory, and Brown Baby Jesus.

Reflect on Luke 1:5–25.
How do you see faithfulness in this story? Zechariah and Elizabeth’s faithfulness? God’s? How do you see God’s sovereignty? God’s presence?

Also in this issue

As we worship at the manger, may we marvel that this very child is the Mighty God, he is the Prince of Peace, and he is the Light of the World. He is the one who came to die. He is the one who rose triumphant, who ascended, and who will keep his promise to come again in glory. He will enact justice and bring to culmination his kingdom of peace. He is Immanuel, God with us.

The Beautiful Paradox

Jesus Is Our Peace

Born to Be Bruised

Our Jubilean Hope

The Healing Peace of Jesus

Peaceful Rest

The Prince of Shalom

A Vision of Peace

The Greatest Hope of All

The Judge Who Is Faithful & True

Jesus Will Reign

Jesus Deserves All the Attention

Christ, the Everlasting Lord

For to Us a Child Is Born...

God of Mercy and Power

The Invitation of Incarnation

Unfather Christmas

He Shines in the Darkness

Christ in Ten Thousand Places

Delivered from Darkness

A Frightening and Freeing Light

The Light Leading Us Home

Salvation and Love

A Light Has Dawned

True Cleansing

A Path Through the Wilderness

Light of the World, Hope of the Nations

Christmas Day

Seeing Jesus, They Knew

A Flock of Shepherds

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