the story of Christmas begins in the temple
in the year of the Romans,753,when Herod was past sixty, the central portion of the new temple was practically completed. it was here that the real story of Christmas begins.
on a certain day an ancient Levite priest came to the temple to preside at the alter. his name was Zacharias.While the congregation awaited without, Zacharias entered the room were the alter stood. it was called the holy place. As Zacharias stood there alone he saw straight before him the sacred veil behind which lay the holy of hollies. in front of the alter was the golden alter with it dying embers from the incense-burning of the night before. to his right Zacharias saw the table of shew-bread and to his left stood the golden candle-stick which furnished the only light.
Zacharias had come to the temple this day with a prayer which had been the burden of his soul for many years. he longed for a son. although the time had long since passed when he could expect a son,nevertheless, by habit, he continued to present his supplication to the Lord. it was the thought uppermost in his mind as he approached the alter of incense.
suddenly Zacharias stopped. he was almost blinded as the dim half-light of the Holy place was shattered by the brilliant appearance of a glorious being. an angel stood to the right of the alter surrounded by by an intense, heavenly light. for the first time in more than 400 years of Hebrew history, a revelation had been granted to a priest of the Jewish people.
in terror Zacharias began to retreat,but the holy messenger spoke to him,''fear not, Zacharias,''he said,''for thy prayer is heard and thy wife, Elizabeth, shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.'' the humble Levite priest could scarcely believe his ears. the angel continued:'' he shall be great in the sight of the lord.....and shall make ready a people prepared for the Lord''
this was too much for Zacharias. how could Elizabeth have a son? it was impossible! she was too old. in his doubting spirit he challenged the angel.
''whereby shall i know this? i am an old man and my wife is well stricken in years.''
the eyes that looked down on Zacharias must have been deep as eternity. Did Zacharias doubt the power of the God? had he forgotten the mother of Samson, the mother of Samuel and the mother of Isaac- all of whom received their children through a special blessing from heaven? or did he doubt the authority of the angel?
in tones of solemn rebuke the angel declared:'' i am Gabriel that stands in the presence of God; and i am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. behold, thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak because thou believest not my words!''
instantly the angel was gone.
almost as though he were stunned, Zacharias turned to fulfill the rite of burning of incense. as the clouds of perfumed vapor ascended above the partition, the Levite priest walked out before the people.
why had he been so long? Zacharias .
