12/20/2021
The Worship of Silence
When I lived and traveled in Asia, I often found myself left in silence because I was unable to communicate with others. Until I learned a few words in a local language, I depended on others to communicate for me. I was reminded that the ability to communicate effectively involves a lot of humility and a lot of listening. I also learned to get comfortable with silence.
Zechariah and Elizabeth had probably given up hope of ever having a child when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with this wonderful news. His apparent fear framed his question and corresponding rationale, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18). This seems like a logical question, yet Gabriel responded, “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time” (Luke 1:20). It’s easy to sympathize with Zechariah’s response, but we may miss the opportunity that his silence must have brought.
In the subsequent months, the silence in which Zechariah lived meant that he experienced limited to no communication with people around him, but this also meant he was free to enjoy countless hours communing with the Lord. In his silence, Zechariah could enjoy worshipping God and preparing for his child, the one “who would make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” These precious months of silence gave him the chance to soak in the news that the angel had given him. It also gave him months to learn how to listen---to others but more importantly, to the voice of God.
As we prepare our own hearts to remember the birth of our Savior, may we learn how to listen for his voice that brings peace and joy. May the Lord silence the noise that takes away from fully enjoying and soaking in his presence!
Dr. Haedy Liu
Associate Professor & ESOL Director, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
