savoring some silence

Renée Antrosio – December 20, 2022 1 Comment

The quiet of having adult children home, nestled in their rooms, feels different than an empty-nested house. My dining room table is ringed with silent figurines of carolers, mouths open mid-song, and crowded with post-it labeled gifts. I am indulging my dislike of shopping by searching my shelves for items to wrap for family members who might enjoy them. I savor the silence with the tree we decorated last night.

I am thinking about Elizabeth and the quality of silence in her house before baby John was born. Her husband Zechariah was rendered mute when he questioned the angel’s message. They had no other children. They were used to it being just the two of them. 

When Zechariah completed the days of his priestly service, he returned home. Afterward, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She kept to herself for five months, saying, “This is the Lord’s doing. He has shown his favor to me by removing my disgrace among other people.” Luke 1:23-25

Keeping to herself for five months, with just the company of a quiet husband, is an interesting choice. A younger self might have wanted everyone to see her changed situation, to discuss avidly with friends. So everyone would see that the Lord favored her. I wonder about that feeling of favor, of being one of the Lord’s favorites. Which the angel told Mary as well, that she was highly favored. 

I like to think about how these two women spent three months together. What it was like to both experience pregnancy for the first time in such different situations. Elizabeth, old and long-married. Mary, young and unmarried. Neither expecting to be pregnant at this point in their lives. With just each other to talk to, no interruption from Zechariah or anyone else. 

Somehow it feels like we might want to take a cue from these women this holiday season. To sometimes seek silence, drawing strength from the knowledge that God knows us, sees us, loves us. Other times to seek one-on-one conversation with a soul-cousin who understands us and our unique situation. And perhaps to prepare for the bustle of a baby with so many needs, bringing joy we could only imagine. 

May you receive that which you need this season. Sometimes silence, sometimes conversation, sometimes babies leaping for joy in the Spirit.  –Renée