A Gift from God

“When God’s Gift Isn’t What You Expected”

Most of us, when we think of a “gift from God,” picture something immediately joyful—healing, provision, success, or Jesus Himself. But Luke 1 opens with an unexpected kind of gift: a childless couple receiving a son, late in life, for a mission far beyond their own dreams.

Zechariah and Elizabeth weren’t just blessed—they were entrusted. Their son, John, would become the voice in the wilderness, the herald of Christ. And yet, even Zechariah, a priest, stumbled over doubt. His silence became a grace-filled discipline—a reminder to believe the God who still does the impossible.

This sermon gently prods us to examine our posture during Advent. Are we merely receiving the season, or are we offering something back to Christ? Are we letting Scripture shape our mindset in December—or just our calendars?

As we wait for Christ’s return, the challenge mirrors John’s: prepare the way. Turn hearts. Live expectantly. Because if we believe the promises of God, we must live like they’re already fulfilled.

Main Points:

1. God’s Gifts Are Purposeful:
   Not all gifts from God are the ones we expect. This sermon centers not on Jesus as the gift (though He is), but on the gift of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth.
2. Spiritual Readiness During Advent:
   The pastor encourages a tradition of reading one chapter of Luke each day in December (Luke 1–24) leading up to Christmas to prepare hearts for Christ’s coming.
3. Faithful but Flawed Saints:
   Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as righteous and blameless, showing consistent faith even through barrenness. Zechariah’s doubt at Gabriel’s message, however, reminds us that even the faithful can struggle with trusting God’s promises.
4. God’s Timing is Perfect:
   Though Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child for years, God’s answer came in His perfect time—for a greater purpose: the arrival of the forerunner to the Messiah.
5. John’s Role and Calling:
   John the Baptist was uniquely filled with the Holy Spirit even in the womb. His mission was to turn hearts back to God and prepare the way for Jesus, echoing Elijah’s ministry in spirit and power.
6. Consequences of Doubt:
   Zechariah’s temporary muteness reminds us that God takes unbelief seriously—especially from leaders who should know better.
7. Communion Reflections:
   The sermon closes with a reflection on Jesus’ return and communion, tying our present worship to the future hope of being with Christ eternally.