Candle Lighting Ceremony Week 1
Faith and Promise: The Story of Zechariah and Elizabeth
Introduction
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather today, we light this candle as a symbol of our faith and the light of God’s love in our lives. Just as this flame brightens our room, so may our hearts be filled with the light of God’s presence.
Candle Lighting
(As the candle is lit) We light this candle remembering the words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Let this light remind us of the hope and peace we find in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for this light, a symbol of Your truth and love. Guide us to live as children of light, spreading Your love and truth wherever we go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 1:5-25 (NIV) The Story of Zechariah and Elizabeth
Luke 1:5-13: In the time of Herod king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”
Commentary on Luke 1:5-13
In these verses, we see God’s plan unfolding in unexpected ways. Zechariah and Elizabeth, though righteous and faithful, faced the pain of childlessness. Their story reminds us that sometimes, even in our faithfulness, we face difficulties and unfulfilled longings. But God hears our prayers, even when it seems like there’s no answer in sight. The coming of John, who would prepare the way for Jesus, teaches us that God’s timing and plans are perfect, even when they differ from ours. It’s a reminder to trust in God’s timing and to stay faithful in our walk with Him.
Scripture: Luke 1:5-25 (NIV) The Story of Zechariah and Elizabeth
Luke 1:14-25: “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Closing Prayer with Commentary on Luke 1:14-25
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the message in Luke 1:14-25. In Zechariah’s doubt, we are reminded of our own moments of unbelief. Yet, Your promises stand firm. You prepare the way for Your purposes, just as You prepared the world for Jesus through John the Baptist. Help us to trust in Your promises and Your timing, even when we do not fully understand.
Lord, guide us to be open to the workings of Your Spirit in our lives, to turn our hearts towards You, and to be ready for the ways You want to use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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