The Birth of John the Baptist: “Zachariah wrote, His Name is John”

Join our Advent journey today as Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born and he sings a joyous prayer.

 Celebration at Zechariah’s Home

The Scriptures invite us to a celebration at Zechariah’s home. It’s the circumcision and naming of his newborn boy. You can picture yourself as one of the neighbors who has come to help name the baby boy born to the old priest Zechariah and his aged wife, Elizabeth. What would you say? Maybe this:

“The boy is a miracle baby! What a blessing from the Lord for Elizabeth!  Shockingly, Zechariah has been mute since the last time he went up to serve in the temple. I wonder if you will ever recover his speech.”

Today, we will cover these points.

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

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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.
  
• Most importantly, he 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.
  

Personal Reflection & Application

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• Seek God in stillness. It was in Zechariah’s stillness with God for 9 months that helped him sort out who God really is, and how much God loved him and his people.
  
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  • Prayer. 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. Trust him today.
  
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  • Prayer.  You can pray the Benedictus every day this week. “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…”
    
  
  
  

Related Posts – The Six-Part Series ~ A Joyful Advent Journey

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  A Joyful Advent Journey #1 ~ The JOY of Zechariah: God Answers Prayer  You will meet Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin…
  
  
• A Joyful Advent Journey #2  ~ The Annunciation & Nothing is Impossible with God.  Join Gabriel as He visits Mary and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God…
  
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  A Joyful Advent Journey #3 ~ The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth & Sharing Joy  We travel with Mary down the 90-mile road from Nazareth to the Hill Country…
  
  
• A Joyful Advent Journey #4 ~ The Birth of John the Baptist & Joyous Benedictus Prayer   Zechariah teaches us to seek God in stillness. His son John is born;his muteness leaves and he sings the joyous Benedictus prayer.
  

Links

Cup of JOY & Free Materials. A Cup of Joy small group study accompanies each podcast series. All materials are FREE. Read more on hosting a CUP of JOY Women or Cup of JOY Gathering small group.

For bookmarks or prayer points from A Joyful Advent Journey Podcast, go to: WRAPYourselfinJOY.com.

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

Other Joy Books by Karen.

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