[Content Warning: Discussion of Infertility]
Observation: Luke's account of the Nativity has this twin account of Elizabeth and Zechariah. From a storytelling standpoint, the birth of John the Baptizer gets pretty much equal time with the birth of Jesus. Much like Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth have been unable to have kids and are getting on in years. Typical of those times, the stigma of that falls mostly on Elizabeth, because folks didn't know the many things that could go wrong: the text just says "Elizabeth was barren". Ouch. When the angel appears to Zechariah, he says that not only will they finally have a child, but this child will be special: "He will turn many people of Israel to the Lord their God." Just because God hasn't responded to their prayers in the way they expected, doesn't mean God won't respond.
Application: I honestly don't know what to do with these stories sometimes. It is wonderful that God answered Elizabeth and Zechariah's prayers. But extraordinary accounts like this can be salt in the wounds of so many people I know who struggle with infertility. For people who have longed for years and years to have children of their own, who have prayed and worked and spent money and time and done everything in their power to become moms and dads, but for whatever reason it still hasn't happened, I can't imagine how a story like Elizabeth and Zechariah's miracle must strike them. This season in general--a story of waiting and longing, followed by a story of a joyous, happy birth--must be terribly painful. I was recently reminded by a friend that now is a time to be especially aware of the pain that may be out there.
Sometimes God answers prayers. Other times God responds in a different way than we expect. And still other times, we're left scratching our heads--or even crying out--wondering if God is listening. When friends are going through times like this, it's best not to try and "figure it out" for them theologically, and hold forth with theories about what God may be up to. I can imagine Zechariah and Elizabeth would have long ago grown tired of the explanations and platitudes from friends and family. What would have been more useful, I suspect, would be folks who will sit with them in the pain, and not act as though it isn't there: folks who will acknowledge it, and not change the subject when it's brought up.
And some of our brothers and sisters in Christ are called to other work than raising kids. To deny or question this life choice is to deny God's call in their lives. Let's not, please.
Not every story ends like Zechariah and Elizabeth's. We need to acknowledge that. And we need to also acknowledge that all people are created in God's image, and are called by God to meaningful, world-healing work that may or may not involve raising kids. Women are worth so much more to God, and to our world, than whether they become moms. Men are worth more than whether they become dads.
Prayer: God, for those who struggle as Elizabeth and Zechariah struggle--who want to become parents and can't--I ask your presence, healing, patience and strength. For those for whom this season opens old wounds, or even fresh wounds, be a comfort. Open our eyes to ways we can affirm, support and love each other through the trials of life. Amen.
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