One look at Christmas advertising tells us a lot about what our culture thinks of Christmastime. It’s all about happiness, cheer, and materialism. But what happens when this season brings sadness, despair, and weariness? How do we reconcile these two seeming opposing emotions?
As we begin our journey into Advent, leading unto celebrating Jesus’ birth, we acknowledge that while we are weary, joy occasionally breaks through our weariness as a gift from God. Today we are invited into the juxtaposition of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s weariness as they also receive glad tidings of joy that they will have a son, John.