The text for this sermon takes place during a time of oppression and darkness for the people of Israel. They were under the dominion of the Roman Empire, and it had been 400 years since God had spoken to them through the prophet Malachi. Zechariah and Elizabeth were both blameless before God but Elizabeth was barren. This was the result of God’s providence. Her trials revealed that when we are weak, God is shown strong. Seasons of trial refine our faith and draw us to God. During 400 years of silence from God, there were probably many Israelites who had lost hope. But the windows of revelation were opened when the angel appeared to Zechariah declaring the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah had become accustomed to the silence and barrenness so when he saw the angel, he became agitated and doubted him. This is a lesson to us to not become weary. We do this by abiding in Christ and knowing that you can do nothing without Him. We are to persevere in prayer and trust in God. There is no point in your Christian life when you have arrived. We always have further to go. Zechariah wanted a sign and didn’t want to go by faith. But the work of God will go on whether you believe Him or not. Faith is a gift that must be received. The work of God will be fulfilled in its time. Endurance will produce character, and character brings hope. Elizabeth looked to God and what He could do. This Christmas season, celebrate the hope of the Gospel. Don’t become weary, and hope in the promises of God to be fulfilled in their time.