Beyond Bethlehem
“Breaking Through the Silence”
Luke 1:5-25

Silent treatment 
When a person refuses to communicate with someone as a way of expressing anger, disapproval, or dislike.  

Results in…
• Prolonged conflict 
• Stress
• Isolation 
• Confusion and misunderstanding 

When God is silent …
He is not using the “silent treatment.” 
It does not mean indifference.

It is because …
• God is at work; He has a plan
• You matter, so think the best
• We might not understand or approve if He told us
• Because He loves us, His love will strengthen us 

What will we do in the silence?

Luke 1:5-25

Writing to Theophilus
“Truth seeker”

Remember …
1. Silence doesn’t deny reality; it creates space for God to have the final word – Luke 1:5-7

Zechariah Abijah 
• A priest who was serving God 
• Married to Elizabeth
• Struggled with infertility – Luke 1:13
• Lived out his faith	

Remember …
2. God most often speaks to us through our ordinary lives – Luke 1:8-22

Zechariah’s story – Luke 1:8
God made himself known through the people of Israel.
It was only by sacrifices that sinners could approach God.
It was only by the priests serving in the temple that it was possible.
Zechariah received a once-in-a-lifetime assignment.

• Was one of 18,000 priests – 1 Chronicles 24
• In the 8th division of 24 divisions
• Chosen by lot as 1 of 350
• For only two weeks, most likely never again
• To burn the incense at two altars: – Exodus 30:6, Exodus 34-37

Two Altars
The altar of brass – to consume the spotless animal sacrifice as atonement
The altar of gold – to celebrate and obtain mercy – Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3
• Altar was crowned with gold
• Incense poured onto flames for fragrance was frankincense 
• And oil of myrrh was sprinkled on everything 

The High Priest would go once a year into the Holy of Holies beyond the veil.

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you …” –Psalm 141:2

Zechariah prayed and an angel shows up on the right of the altar. – Matthew 25:33; Psalm 20:6

Remember …
3. God speaks directly into the areas we struggle with – Luke 1:24-25; Malachi 3

What are you praying that God would speak into? 

Christmas is a reminder that God always breaks through the silence.