Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent () von Enuma Okoro

Sit for a while with Zechariah and Elizabeth. Feel their longings and doubts, and then witness their surprise as an angel tells Zechariah that they will finally become parents in their old age. See what happens when Zechariah dares to question God's messenger. What blessings emerge from his time of silence? In this fresh approach to the Advent story, Okoro leads you to reflect on the meaning of waiting, living with the unknown, and trusting God.

Okoro invites readers to pause during Advent and take a heartfelt lookat the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. This faithful couple receivesastonishing news in their old age.As Zechariah goes about his priestly duties, an angel appears and tellshim, "Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birthto a son. You must name him John."Understandably, Zechariah is stunned. He wonders aloud, "But we are old.How can I be sure of this?"The angel assures Zechariah that what he has told him will come true.Then he says, "Because you didn't believe, you won't be able to speakuntil the child is born." Thus begins a long period of silence duringwhich Zechariah surely learns many lessons.In Okoro's daily meditations for Advent, readers spend time withZechariah and Elizabeth. As they look deep inside this faithfulcouple's longings and doubts, they will enlarge their own capacity forpatience and wonder and be reminded of God's promise to make all things new.These poetic and poignant meditations will echo long after Christmashas passed. Their tough and tender wisdom acknowledges both wounds andblessedness—the griefs and joys of life. Reflection questions and aprayer challenge accompany each week's meditations. This book isperfect for individuals or groups.