Our theme for the past few days thinking about characters in the Christmas story has evolved to God communicates and people respond (or not):

• The Shepherds heard from angels and “went in haste.”
• The Religious Professionals heard from the wise men and the Word…and stayed home.
• Joseph heard from God in dreams and carried out every order.
• Simeon was in touch with God through the Spirit and responded.

How about two more angel stories?

Zechariah was told by an angel that his elderly wife Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist. How did Zechariah, a religious professional, respond?

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” (Luke 1.18 – 20, ESV)

Our religious professionals aren’t doing so well, are they? By contrast, Mary, a teenage girl, was visited by an angel, too. How did she respond?

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1.34 – 38, ESV)

Almost the same question as Zechariah, but not with the same attitude. And Mary responded with obedience to what she knew would be a VERY difficult task.

What will God call us to do and by what means? And how will we respond?

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14.12 – 15, ESV)