“And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” (Luke 1:20) The incredulous reaction of Zechariah to Gabriel’s words concerning John the Baptist is in sharp contrast with that of Mary, and somewhat with Joseph.
“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly…But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream…When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him…” (Matthew 1:19-24)
Here are two extremely blessed men with varying degrees of skepticism which turns into belief at a different pace. Also, Joseph trusted a dream, whereas Zechariah was awake! It’s interesting to contrast their immediate reactions with those of Mary and Elizabeth, whose humbler station in life possibly accounts for their grasp of redemption more quickly. Honestly? I identify with Zechariah…skeptical, hesitant, slower to realization. Terrified actually.
Mary was truly more like Abraham!
Art by Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (c. 1840)
THE WOUND THAT HEALS 
I especially appreciated your approach to awake and dreaming. I share your skepticism because we have learned from experience, that not all is as it seems. I find that when our skepticism is lifted, we come into a renewed appreciation of what has been clarified. That Zechariah was unable to speak reminds me that there is a time for a reflection. On the other hand, dreams have fascinated me because we are more likely to believe in what we experience than what we are told. A marvelous post, Mary Jo!! Many hugs coming your way.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Rebecca. Hugs+++
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting compare and contrast. Then again, humanity comes in all forms including in between. But what gets me is the ad that I see below the post but above the Likes …. about enlarged prostate.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hahaha, Frank. Thankfully those ads rotate, but sometimes they seem intentional. A granny blogger talking about the Bible? Who knows? WordPress must really want me to upgrade.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great answer! Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sure am glad I use an ad blocker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great Post ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for reading about the Nativity stories.
LikeLike
My immediate reaction to your thought-provoking post was that Mary’s and Elizabeth’s readier grasp of redemption was because they were women and able to give birth to new life and all the hope a new life represents.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Liz, and I agree with your perspective. These women were mindful of the prophecy, “Unto us a child is born,” while the men were expecting, “deliverance from hostile hands.” Their Messiah would come first as a precious baby.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re welcome, Mary Jo. (I was hoping I wasn’t being sexist.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Song of Zechariah:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:68-79
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have a lot to learn from Elizabeth and Mary, Mary Jo. The simple faith and the joy to accept such a privilege. Great post. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Miriam…so very much to learn about their “simple faith and joy.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
They knew the prophecy and probably were thrilled to be chosen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing…much to ponder here and reflect upon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Linda! Every year I see something new and wonderful.
LikeLiked by 2 people