By Debby Giusti
O come, O
come, Emmanuel…
The daily scripture passages during Advent set
the stage for the birth of the Christ Child as we draw closer to Christmas.
Today’s reading—Luke 1:5-25—focuses on Zechariah, who goes to the Temple in
Jerusalem to perform his priestly duties and is chosen by a drawing of lots to burn
incense before the Lord. Zechariah was well-aware of the great honor he was
being accorded as he entered the Holy of Holies, yet when the angel Gabriel appears with news that Zechariah’s wife
Elizabeth, thought to be barren, will bear a son, Zechariah doubts the angel’s
message could be true. Because of his lack of faith, Zechariah is struck dumb until
the birth of his son, John the Baptist, the one who will “prepare the way for the Lord.”
 |
| Annunciation of the Angel to Zechariah, by Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1490, fresco in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Florence. [PD-US] |
Tomorrow’s scripture is the annunciation when
Gabriel appears to Mary. In contrast to Zachariah’s doubt, we read in Luke
1:26-38 of Mary’s total faith and her immediate yes—her fiat or “let it be done”—as she readily accepts God’s will for her
life with the words, “Behold, I am the
handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
 |
| The Annunciation, Carravagio, 1608. Museum of Fine Art of Nancy, France. [PD-US] |
The question for us to ponder is our readiness
to accept the Lord’s will for our own lives. Are we like Zechariah, unable to believe that God will grant us the desire of our heart? Or are we like
Mary, eager to accept God’s will even when we don’t have a clear picture of how
the future will unfold?
 |
| Nativity, Sandro Botticelli, c 1473-1475, Columbia Museum of Art. [PS-US] |
What about our writing journey? Have we given
up on following our dream for publication because of our age or our commitments
or our inability to believe that with God all things are possible? Are we frustrated
by rejection and tired of never having our stories achieve recognition? Have we
settled for good enough instead of working to become a better writer? A
bestselling author? A world-acclaimed author?
 |
| Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stomer, c 1632-1635, North Carolina Museum of Art. [PD-US] |
Or do we trust the Lord enough to follow our
dream? Do we shrug off rejection and use it as a catalyst to spur us on? Are we
focused on the future with all the promise it holds, instead of wallowing in the
unfulfilled past?
Consider the following…
What’s
stopping you from achieving your goal?
What’s holding you
back from taking the next step forward?
Are you a Zechariah?
Or are you a Mary?
 |
| The Adoration of the Magi, Giotto, 1303, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy. [PD-US] |
Share your thoughts about Advent and/or your
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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
With abundant blessings and much love,
Debby Giusti
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I love the wisdom of this post, Debby. I wish every author could read this and get the same takeaway I'm receiving... of grace, hope, love and persistence. Of the focus and hard work... but also the absolute gift of touching lives in a way we'd never be able to if we weren't writing stories of faith, hope and love for our readers and their friends.
ReplyDeleteWe are beyond blessed.
And we have cookies.
So true, Ruthy! We are blessed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing cookies!
Good morning, Debby! Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts of advent and this time to reflect on which are WE going to decide to be--Mary or Zechariah?
ReplyDeleteI love the classic paintings you've used to illustrate your post. A good reminder that we come from a LONG line of BELIEVERS.
So glad you enjoyed the Sacred Art, Glynna! I'm visual and love paintings that depict the Gospel message!
DeleteI, too, love these paintings! Where do you find them, Debby?
DeleteI do a Google search and only choose paintings that are in the public domain. I found one yesterday but couldn't use it. A photographer had posted his own photo of the art, which meant the photograph of the painting was not in the public domain.
DeleteI used to post the daily scripture with Sacred Art each day on Facebook and did so for almost three years. Finding the "right" picture became very time-consuming. Finding something new was difficult and I ended up repeating paintings. As you know, the scripture cycle runs for three years and then repeats so I decided posting for almost the entire three years covered the major scripture readings. :)
Thank you Debby for this insightful post. I think this is the first time I've seen the faith of Zechariah compared to thst of Mary. Food for thought! I am a first time novelist and I am surprised at the spectrum of emotions and thoughts I have been faced with. At times I am confident and then think I am incapable of producing anything good. I persevere. In fact, I am finshing my final read through of my manuscript this week and plan on querying it - another long journey ahead but am trusting God to guide in this circumstance. I need to have faith more like Mary... (Lee-Ann B)
ReplyDeleteLee-Ann, congrats on completing your story!!! Celebrate your success. I'm lifting my mug of coffee in your honor!
DeleteYes, I do believe all writers run the gamut of emotions as we create. Writing is not for the faint of heart!
Interestingly, Joseph's "yes" was in the daily scripture on Tuesday...Matthew 1:18-25, when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph did not doubt the Lord.
In each case, the angel started his message with "Do not be afraid," which we should remember. God has us in the palm of his hand. We do not need to fear tomorrow or where He is leading us.
Christmas blessings to you and yours!
Debby, thank you for sharing that reassurance of "Do not be afraid" from your reading!
DeleteLee-Ann, that gamut of emotions will continue throughout your writing career! :)
Good morning, Debby. What a though-provoking post to wake up to! Thank you for sharing your insights and I'll be thinking about the Mary - Zechariah comparison. It all boils down to trusting in ourselves or trusting the Lord, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteHave an awesome day, sweet stuff!
God is so good! Advent blessings, Audra!
DeleteThank you Debbie for this post.
ReplyDeleteI want to be like Mary. I will keep striving for the goal.
I want to be Mary, as well, Wilani! Sometimes it's hard to follow the Lord's call, but we can only find true peace when we embrace His will for our lives.
DeleteWishing you abundant blessings and much joy throughout this Advent and Christmas season!
Debby, thank you for this beautiful post--something I need to ponder today. Your timing (God's timing) is perfect for me today!
ReplyDeletePre-Christmas is always a hectic time! Praying you find joy and peace in the days ahead!
DeleteOh goodness, this was an amazing post. I love the Zechariah/Mary comparison. I fall into that doubting trap instead of trusting God with His timing and plan for me. Thank you! p.s. I love that artwork! So inspiring!
ReplyDeleteSherrinda, glad you like the artwork. Sacred Art speaks to my soul. I love the paintings of the Old Masters...and to see the evolution of art through the ages.
DeleteAdvent blessings to you and yours!
This post ... whew. It's hitting me. Even with one book out last year and another in 2019, it's sometimes hard for me to believe my writing is good enough. Thanks for this beautifully put reminder.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I can relate to that feeling of the work not being good enough! I start each book as a beginning writer, wondering if I can create another story. Doubt is probably common to all authors! :)
ReplyDeleteAdvent blessings!
I think I have the simple faith of Mary but the doubt of it happening the "way" I want it like Zechariah. My problem I struggle with is I trust God will give me what is good and in His will - but sinfully I want it to happen MY way. I have to fight that sin every day.
ReplyDeleteSusan, sometimes God gives us more than we could ever imagine or desire on our own. Consider that when you're worried about where He's leading you. Too often, I'm my biggest stumbling block or obstacle. When I get out the way, so to speak, God provides amazing blessings. God can never be outdone in generosity!!!
ReplyDeleteSomething to ponder!
Hugs and love and Advent blessings!
I'm not a writer but I can relate to both Zechariah and Mary. I've learned to accept the will of God more in my life like Mary and yet there are still times when I question His will; like "what are you doing now"....lol! I think it's the human condition and will be an ever going and ever growing area in my life. I look back to years ago and can see how far the Lord has taken me and I praise Him for it. At the same time, I look forward on the road ahead and know I have so far to go. I just trust God to take me where He leads knowing He's right there and He knows best. Even kicking and screaming at times...lol! But He understands and loves me anyway!
ReplyDeleteNo need to add my name Debbie as I have all three of these books on my shelf. Merry Christmas to you and yours, may it be a blessed time of reflection and keeping Christ alive and well in your hearts!
See my comment below, Trixi. Don't know why my "reply" button doesn't always work!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Debby. And such a good reminder that having a vision for your future doesn't just take imagination and a list of 'wants.' It also takes courage and most importantly, faith. Sometimes I'm amazed at how often I have to be reminded of things I already know! :-) I always appreciate the person who reminds me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJenna, thanks for mentioning courage and faith! Both are so necessary as we navigate life...and as we try to draw closer to the Lord.
DeleteI, too, have to be reminded of who's in control and how much he loves me!
Advent blessings!
Such a lovely comment, Trixi!
ReplyDeleteI have been struggling with a decision and finally...finally gave it to God this morning. I told him I needed him to tell me what to do because I was flummoxed. Not more than fifteen minutes later, I learned information needed to make the decision that was finally so clear. I love how God works. Of course, I had to step out of the way and give it all to Him!
As you said, Trixi, it's a lifelong struggle. Sometimes we're better at following his lead. Sometimes we're stubborn and want our own way!
Advent hugs and love! Thanks for your support! :)
Hi Debby:
ReplyDeleteLike Zechariah and Mary I also would like the luxury of having an actual manifestation of God's will from one of His messengers. Even Thomas was given proof.
The medieval philosophers posed this question, "How can we know it's God talking to us and not the devil?"
I believe that there are many paths to paradise just as in heaven there are many mansions. I further believe that it is God's desire that we use our free will to choose the heavenly routes we take. While the possible choices are unlimited, the destination is the same.
I believe that God derives satisfaction in seeing how His many children choose to venture their way home.
Merry Christmas
Vince
Hi Vince, don't you ever ask God's help in deciding which path to take? I'm always seeking His opinion when I make important decisions. That's seeking His will. I do believe He plants the desires of our hearts in our hearts so that what we want is actually what He wants for us. Probably because that's the best path for us to take with the fewest number of obstacles. :)
ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned, there are lots of ways to draw closer to the Lord, but in each situation, there is a better way and that's the path I want to take.
Advent blessings to you and Linda!
Hi Debby:
DeleteWhen I want God's help, I pray. Then I make my decision. However, I never assume God told me what to do. Nor do I think God is responsible when things turn out badly even after prayer. I just think there is a great risk acting on what you think God told you to do when in fact He didn't. How many romances have you read where the conflict is having someone mad or not talking to God because prayers were not answered when a loved one died? The bible says God has many plans for us. Not just one. I think God changes His plans for us with each decision we make using our free will. That at least is what makes sense for me.
Vince
Debby thank you for the wonderful post! I draw near to Him with grateful heart and worship.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Beautiful, Caryl!
DeleteAdvent blessings to you and yours!
A beautiful post, Debby. So much for me to consider and apply in the year ahead. Blessed Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat! Blessings to you and yours!
DeleteI'd like to think that I am like Mary and looking forward to the future even though its unfolding is unknown. Thank you for your thought-provoking post. Happy Christmas and may you find much blessing from the Father in the new year ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne! Abundant blessings to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHi Debby, you certainly have given me a lot to think about. I have been guilty of being a Zachariah but I will strive to be like Mary and readily accept what He has planned for me! Merry Christmas!
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ReplyDeleteHey, Deb, just catching up on my Seeker blogs, and as always, yours is wonderful and so very timely for me, so THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteYOU SAID, "The question for us to ponder is our readiness to accept the Lord’s will for our own lives."
This is something I have hopefully been learning to do over the last few years, and it isn't easy, but it is fulfilling!
Beautiful analogy about Zechariah and Mary. I would like to think I am becoming more of a Mary than Zechariah, but then I do have my moments. :)
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
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