Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent

Okoro invites readers to pause during Advent and take a heartfelt look at the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. This faithful couple receives astonishing news in their old age. As Zechariah goes about his priestly duties, an angel appears and tells him, 'Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to 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 speak until the child is born.' Thus begins a long period of silence during which Zechariah surely learns many lessons. In Okoro's daily meditations for Advent, readers spend time with Zechariah and Elizabeth. As they look deep inside this faithful couple's longings and doubts, they will enlarge their own capacity for patience and wonder and be reminded of God's promise to make all things new. These poetic and poignant meditations will echo long after Christmas has passed. Their tough and tender wisdom acknowledges both wounds and blessedness-the griefs and joys of life. Reflection questions and a prayer challenge accompany each week's meditations. This book is perfect for individuals or groups.