It’s a familiar part of the Christmas story. In Luke 1,  Zechariah is told by the angel, Gabriel, that his wife Elizabeth would have a child. This proclamation was surprising because Elizabeth and Zechariah were infertile and had been praying for a child for years. Now, past the normal age of child bearing, the couple was living in the reality of disappointment. They had patiently waiting for a child and yet nothing. Month and month, all they experienced was loss.

If this sounds familiar, month and month of loss and waiting, there is hope in this Christmas story. Perhaps you experienced loss of a loved one due to COVID 19, loss of a job or business, relationship loss or loss of hope during the pandemic. Wait! Joy is coming. In the biblical account of Elizabeth and Zechariah, against all odds, Elizabeth conceived and her desire was granted. There is much to learn from their story.

1) Disappointment and feelings of loss happens to good people.

2) It can easily feel like life is passing you by and your dreams won’t be fulfilled. So many people have felt like this was a lost year of waiting and isolation. Yet, even times of pause can be fulfilling. God’s timing is always best and nothing goes to waste.

3) Like Zechariah, we must continue to pray and contend for the goodness of God. In Luke 1: 13, the angel tells Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard.” Never doubt: God hears our prayers. Continue to pray during times of waiting.

4) Miracles happen. This is the Christmas story. God does miracles.

5) Great joy comes from God. The gift of God’s Son brings joy to the world. This is a gift we continue to have every day. Let this gift bring you joy despite the difficult circumstances you face.

When we are in those barren, waiting times, it is easy to think that God forgets us or that we aren’t that important to God. However, God wants us to stand fast in prayer and believe for those desires of our hearts. He wants us to wait for his promises. And to remember He doesn’t abandon us. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Luke 1:58 says that God showed great mercy to Elizabeth. The character trait of mercy is still true of God today. God wants to show great mercy to us as well.

So if you are feeing barren in your life this Christmas, if you are living with disappointment or loss, one of the messages of the Christmas story is to wait. Joy is coming.