Zechariah writes, His Name is John!

Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God!

 Do you need more calm in your life? Today, Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness and shows us the joyous blessings. Stillness with God will do the same for you this Advent, giving you more joy and peace!

Advent JOY & the Celebration at Zechariah’s Home

Welcome to Advent JOY Podcast #4, based on my book The Joy Of Advent: Journey With The People, Events, and Prayers At The First Coming Of Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. Can’t you picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth? Can you hear yourself say:

“This must be some child—a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth! Zechariah is mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple.” Join the podcast as we cover these exciting points:

The Circumcision and the Sacrament of Baptism (Luke 1: 56-59)

• The neighbors come to celebrate the birth and help with the circumcision.
  
• Circumcision is a rite by God under the Old Covenant, usually performed on the 8^th day after birth. It was a mark on a male and a sign that he was in covenant with God, sanctified for divine service, and a member of the Jewish people.
  
• Under the New Covenant, circumcision is not a religious ritual for us (Galatians 5: 6).
  
• The circumcision ritual is similar to the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated with family, friends, and godparents.
  
• For the Christian, baptism is a sign one belongs to Christ, is united with Him in His death, and is incorporated into the Church (Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary).
  

The Neighbors Want to Name the Baby Zechariah (Luke 1: 60-66)

• Zechariah confirms that His name is JOHN.
  
• Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was open, and his tongue was freed.
  

 Zechariah’s Silent Retreat Results in Joyous Benedictus Blessings (Luke 1: 67-79)

• Zechariah grew in faith, peace, and trust in stillness with God.
  
• Benedictus means Blessed be..the Lord.
  
• Zechariah’s prophecy is called a canticle, which means “little song”- a liturgical song from a Biblical text.
  
• Zechariah thanks God for the promises to be fulfilled in the Messiah and for His Son John, who would go before the Lord to prepare His way, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiving their sins.
  

Responding to the Scripture

• Seek God in stillness. Choose a quiet morning or evening during Advent. Turn off all media and be present with the Lord in adoration, prayer, and Scripture. Sit with God and LISTEN. You may find a new vision, peace, and a deeper relationship with God – the one He wants with you.
  
• Let God redeem you. If you are living in any darkness or carrying baggage, Jesus wants to carry your baggage, forgive your sins, and give you peace. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
  

Links

Consider hosting a weekly one-hour Cup of Joy small group study that accompanies one of the podcast series, especially this one:  A Joy-filled Advent: Journey with the People, Events, and Prayers.  Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.  For information, please email karen@wrapyourselfinjoy.com

You can download a Bookmark of prayer points from A Joy-filled Advent Podcast #1 at my website: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

Check out more podcasts here!

Click here for the book: The Joy of Advent: Journey with the People, Events and Prayers at the First Coming of Jesus Christ.

The post Needing Calm? Seek Stillness with God! – A JOY-Filled Advent #4 appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.