Amid the darkness, a priest stands on the highest point of the Temple, staring off toward the east.  As the dawn’s first light pierces the sky, he signals the priests below.  Three times they blow the Ram’s horn, long and loud to awaken those sleeping in Jerusalem. 

The people hear it and rise.  With great anticipation they make their way to the Temple to begin their day by worshipping God.  It started like any other day for both the priests and the people.  Yet, today their time of worship would be very different.     

It had been nearly 400 years since a prophet had received a word from the Lord.  After this long period of darkness, the glory of God was about to be revealed.  The time for the coming of the Messiah had arrived and the Light of God was rising to shine on His people.

As the worshippers bowed before the Lord, Zechariah was chosen to enter the Holy Place and burn incense before the Presence of the Lord.  Only once in a lifetime was a priest given this honor.  After waiting more than sixty years, Zechariah was finally chosen.    

Joyfully, he entered the Holy Place, put incense on the alter and began worshiping God.  It was then that he noticed the angel Gabriel standing before him.  The angel told him that he and his wife would have a child named John, who was to be the great prophet that would prepare the people to receive Jesus the Messiah.  After years of waiting, Zechariah received more from God in a few moments than he had ever received before.

After a priest had entered the Holy Place, from that day forward he was called rich.  Not rich as the world defines it, as one who has material wealth.  Rather, the priests defined rich as one who had been chosen to enter the Lord’s Presence and worshipped.

We have also been made rich, for we too are chosen.  In fact, we are far wealthier than Zechariah and the other priests who were chosen.  For we have been chosen by God to boldly enter His Presence daily and worship.  This is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive; the ability to enter God’s Presence and worship everyday.  We don’t have to wait sixty years or even sixty seconds.  We can enter immediately and begin worshiping Christ.

In addition to being made rich, Zechariah learned something wonderful that day.  It’s never too late for God to answer your prayer.  Never give up on the dreams and visions God has given you of becoming like Christ.  Have faith coupled with patience.  God is not slow, His timing is perfect.  Allow His timing to become your timing, so you can be one with Christ.

During this Christmas season, I pray we would not focus on the temporary things that we want.  But, let us focus on the eternal gifts we already have, like the freedom to worship.  Instead of focusing on what we want this year, let us focus on giving God what He wants: the gift of worship!

You are the one Christ desires!

"Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith!" James 2:5

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