After 400 years of silence, it begins. That moment mankind had been anticipating… the birth of Messiah was upon them. It was time. So what happens? Talking. Heaven’s internet is full of chatter.

The first speaking visitor was an angel. Poor Zacharias. In his old age, the lot fell to him to serve in the temple. He was going to burn incense before the Lord. Finally he has his chance and what happens? An angel shows up. This is no regular angel. It is Gabriel. Gabriel announces that Zacharias and Elizabeth are going to have a baby. A son.

The scripture tells us that fear had gripped Zacharias. Gabriel tells him not to fear. But in the next moments in spite of his fear, Zacharias is doubting the word Gabriel speaks… Zacharias goes muite. It is not until John’s circumcision and both elderly parents proclaim the baby’s name “John” that Zacharias can speak. And when he does?! Wow! The Holy Spirit fills Zacharias. Prophesying. Talking about Messiah.

Meanwhile, before John’s birth Gabriel is still out and about. He comes to the young girl Mary and tells her she will bear the Messiah. Big news for sure. She is filled with fear too. For goodness sake, how many times do angels show up? Especially Gabriel who stands in the Presence of God. And after 400 years when God hasn’t spoken to any prophet. Suddenly there is all this talking and announcing and praising and worshipping.

So sweet Mary heads to cousin Elizabeth’s. It is big news after all that someone so advanced in age is having a baby. What do they do? Talk. Share. Mary’s heart is so full, she sings the famous Magnificat.

There is all this holy talk. Angels announcing and declaring. Humans praising and worshipping. But I’m sure the ugly tongues were wagging too.

Can’t you hear the gossip? “Elizabeth is pregnant. Her husband is so old, he couldn’t be the father.” “Yes. And you know that young Mary was pregnant before she and Joseph came together.” “That family is a disgrace.”

Of course that isn’t recorded in Scripture. I’m presuming about human nature. Nevertheless, there is a whole lot of talking going on. After 400 years of deafening silence, there are words coming straight from Heaven.

Seems remarkable. Extraordinary. Especially after all that silence.
During this season, let’s do some “chattering” ourselves. Tell everyone about Him. Spread the Good News.