1. NEARLY THERE
LUKE 1:5 – 25,

2. NEARLY THERE Advent is a time of waiting expectantly
Counting down to Christmas
Sometimes it seems it will never actually arrive

3. NEARLY THERE
God’s promise of a messiah had been long awaited by the Jewish people – King David lived 1000 years earlier, Isaiah 700 years, Malachi 400 years
And still they waited
Some were expectant (think of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2)
For some it probably seemed like some mythical legend (think King Arthur)

4. NEARLY THERE Zachariah’s personal waiting times
To become a father – but his wife was barren
For his prayers to be answered
To be chosen to serve in the Temple to burn incense – passed over year after year
One day he was finally chosen for the task

5. NEARLY THERE Zachariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel
His fearful response and the angel’s reassurance
His prayers will be answered – Elizabeth would bear a child
Not just any child but the one promised who would prepare the way for the Messiah
Zachariah is full of doubt and so is struck dumb (20)

6. NEARLY THERE
The people awaiting him could tell that something remarkable had happened to him but he was unable to tell them
Elizabeth conceived but kept it hidden for five months – was she afraid of disappointment?

7. NEARLY THERE Elizabeth gives birth to a boy (57)
Her neighbours rejoiced with her
The day comes for the boy to be circumcised and named
Zachariah has still not said a word
Most people expected the child to be named after his father but Elizabeth insists on John
Zachariah confirms this and finally his speech is restored

8. NEARLY THERE Zachariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied
God’s promises are being fulfilled
Salvation is on its way from God
The child will be the prophet of the Highest and prepare the way for the Messiah (76)
The dreams of the devout Jewish people are about to come true

9. NeArLy THERE CONCLUSION What are we waiting for?
What promise has God not yet fulfilled?
Would we believe it if the answer came in an unexpected way?
Are we waiting for Jesus’ Second Coming?
Do we have a sense that we are nearly there?
If so, how should we prepare so that we will be ready for His Return?