Sermon for Dec 22, 2019; Luke 1:5-13

Rev. George Miller
Dec 22, 2019
Luke 1:5-13

Ladies and gentlemen- the waiting is over! The exile has come to an end!

Can we get an “amen!”?

The altar and Temple have been rebuilt, bigger and better than before!

Can we get an “amen!”?

Jerusalem is once again a thriving center of commerce, culture and celebrations!

Can we get an “amen!”?

The waiting is over, and thank God, because the past few weeks we have been dealing with deep topics like exile, loss, and in-between time.

These deep topics have coincided with deep events in my life, and together they’ve made me aware of something-

Americans have a horrible way of greeting one another.

Have you noticed that?

For some reason, when we greet one another, instead of simply saying “Hi”, or “Good to see you,” we ask such an insincere, intrusive question-

“How are you?”

It seems like an innocent little question; but it’s really not.

1st of all, not everyone who asks means it. 2nd, not everyone who answers is honest.

The expected cultural response is to say “Fine, and you?”

I so dislike that fake formality. I try my best to be truthful when people ask.

On days when I’m fantabulous and someone asks “How are you?”, I may pull out a Pentecostal favorite- “Blessed, and you?”

There are days when things are status quo, so the response is “OK.”

Other days the answer may be “Just OK,” or “It’s a Monday.”

Those who are OK with someone being OK get it and seem to appreciate the honesty; others act a little confused.

Back in October there was an experience I had while visiting my Mom in the hospital.

While signing in at the front desk the receptionist asked me how I was doing.

“Not great,” I replied.

“Oh, why?” she asked, as I’m writing my Mom’s name in the patient line.

You can guess all the not-so-polite responses that went through my mind while holding that pen…

Bless her heart; she really was concerned, but I continue to chuckle in disbelief that she assumed anyone to answer that question with a “Great!”

I wonder- what would Zechariah from today’s reading say if he was living in modern day America?

Luke starts his version of the Good News by featuring Zechariah, a Temple priest. He’s an older man, closer to retirement than starting off.

He’s been married to Elizabeth for many years, and there’s a great emptiness in their lives- they have no children.

It has not been easy for them, as Zechariah has been praying and praying for a child and Elizabeth has endured feelings of shame from others.

But one day, Zechariah is selected to offer incense in the sanctuary; an honor that happens only once in a lifetime.

While there he’s greeted by an angel who gives joyful news- his prayers have been answered!

He will have a son named John who will be great in the sight of God and lead many people to the Lord.

It’s amazing news, but due to certain circumstances, Zechariah is rendered mute for the next 9 months.

Now picture this in today’s setting.

Imagine Zechariah 1st starting out in the priesthood. People on the street ask him how he is- the answer could be “Blessed and highly favored!”

He gets married to Elizabeth and people passing by ask how he is; “Fantastic!”

It’s the honeymoon phase, he’s strutting around town, head held high. When folks ask how he is the answer is “Never been better.”

But then the years go on; he’s been waiting and praying for a child that never comes.

Folks ask how he is; what’s the correct response?

More years pass. There’s no baby crib, no newborn laughter to be heard.

“How are you?”

More years pass. Not only is there no child, but no chance for grandchildren.

“…If one more person asks how I am…”

But then one day he reaches his professional and personal pinnacle-
he’s chosen to offer incense, greeted by an angel, and told he’ll have a son…

…But he is rendered mute and he can’t tell anyone!

You got to be kidding me!

All these years people asking again and again “How are you?” And now that Zechariah has good news to share, he can’t answer!

He can’t say “Holy heck- I just saw an angel!”

He can’t shout out “I’m finally going to be a Dad!”

Now that he has an answer to “How are you?” he can’t say a single word and won’t be able to for almost a year!

You have got to be kidding! How can this be?

There is mischievous humor in this story if you allow it to be there.

This idea that Luke’s telling of the Good News begins with a man who can’t speak the good news.

The idea that after having nothing substantial to say for years, he finally has something to shout out to the world, but he can’t speak.

The idea that Zechariah was a step away from moving into a 55-and-over community but now instead he’s got to start thinking about poopy diapers and pre-school for his son.

What in the world is going on here!

…and that is exactly the point. Luke is starting his Gospel by letting us know that once again God is breaking into our world and doing a new thing.

The wait is over, the exile is done, what was once destroyed has been rebuilt and the time has come for Christ to come into the world.

Today’s reading is a reminder that we worship an Impossibly Possible tenacious God who is still full of surprises, never gives up, and holds onto the covenant made so long ago.

Today’s reading shows us that God acts in a multitude of ways that are not limited by our pre-conceived notions.

God can use traditional settings, like the temple, to act in forward-thinking ways.

God can use unexpected people, like an elderly couple, to bring about long expected promises.

God can use the most natural of events, like childbirth, to bring about Spirit-filled surprises.

God can step into what seems to be the final chapter to usher in a brand-new beginning.

God can even take our pain-filled waiting and turn it into joyful anticipation.

Amen and amen.