This dialogue was written by Carl Wasylyszyn & Rev. Bob Walk in 1991, and revised, edited, and performed in 2024 by Matthew Lake, Robert Stoneback, and Carlene Lawson. You can watch it here.

Introduction:

Today’s advent message comes in the form of a dialogue between Zechariah and Joseph–the husbands of Elizabeth and Mary, and the fathers who would raise John the Baptist and Jesus. This encounter does not come from a biblical source, though we know from the Gospel of Luke that their wives, Mary and Elizabeth were related, and that Mary stayed in the house of Zechariah when both women were expecting. After Elizabeth gave birth to a son, he was presented on the eighth day to be named, and we imagine that Joseph would have been present and had the chance to speak with Zechariah.  So join us in imagining that conversation, as they share a time of anticipating and agonizing in every way–emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.  We begin shortly after the child has been formally named. His father Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesies:

Zech: …”And you child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare God’s ways,

to give knowledge of salvation to God’s people

in the forgiveness of their sins,

through the tender mercy of our God,

when the day shall dawn upon us from on high

to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  

Joe:    “Zechariah. I am amazed that you speak these words–you haven’t spoken in three months. We were afraid you would never speak again. What caused you to be silent all this time?  Was the thought of having a child that much of a shock?

Zech:  “Joseph, my friend, I prayed for so long that Elizabeth would bear a son that I had given up hope. Then an angel appeared before me in the Temple and told me it was going to happen. And I had to open my big mouth and say “How’s that going to work?” I am an old man, and my wife is…of a certain age.” I didn’t have the faith to believe or the good sense to be grateful. So Gabriel told me that I would be deprived of speech until the things he had foretold came to pass.  It was only today, when I named my son by writing “John” on the tablet, that his words were fulfilled and my tongue could work again.

Joe: I am so glad to hear it. And, in a way, I am relieved to hear you had your own doubts. I will be the first to admit that sometimes the good news is the hardest to believe, and most of us don’t think that even a priest can have a crisis of faith. You’re only human, Zechariah, and I hope you don’t hold that against yourself.

Zech: Thank you Joseph.  When a person of faith begins to doubt, it undermines everything. You doubt everything–especially yourself. When that happens, you tend to hold a lot in.

Joe:    What do you mean?

Zech: We people of faith–we are supposed to rely on God, no matter what life throws at us. With that expectation hanging over us, we don’t have the chance to express our doubts and worries.  We are too bound up with concerns about what people will think? And what does God think?

Joe:    I’m not sure I agree with you about that.  When I learned that Mary was pregnant before we lived together, I was very worried and concerned for her. I thought it might be best for us both if I released her from her betrothal. And, privately, I felt a lot of dismay and agony. I felt like a victim of circumstances beyond my control.

Zech:  But that’s part of what I mean.  You cared enough for Mary to give her an easy way out, but you kept your own hurt to yourself. By bottling things up, we make it harder on ourselves.

Joe:    I see what you mean. But that’s passed now, I think.  It’s beginning to feel like the burden is really a blessing.

Zech: I’m glad to hear it. For me too!  The blessings of this day certainly outweigh the burden for me.  To tell the truth, being speechless was a blessing in its own way: I had to listen and observe, and those are two skills I was lacking.  Elizabeth needed me to hear her – to understand her thoughts and feelings, not just jump in with my opinion–especially during the first five months, when she was confining herself.  I was very glad when Mary came to stay with us.  They were a good support for each other.

Joe:    I know that Mary made that hasty retreat to your home. She believed that Elizabeth would understand her better than anyone else.  I only learned of this three weeks ago when Mary returned home pregnant.  I was shocked and confused.

Zech:  I am sure you were.  Your situation is – unique – and special.

Joe:    That’s one way to put it.  I knew the child couldn’t have been mine.  In my own way, I was going to be silent about it. I was not willing to put Mary to shame, which is why I considered quietly ending things between us.

Zech:   What changed your mind?

Joe:    You’re not the only one to get a visit from an angel! Mine told me  “Do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall  name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Zech:  That’s a strange and powerful message. And you trusted it. I admire that.

Joe:     Well, it matched what Mary had told me.  How could I not have faith? In God, and in Mary.

Zech:  How indeed! You know, I was excited when Mary told us that the angel had visited her too.  And he gave her the same greeting as he gave me: Don’t be afraid. During her stay, Mary often reflected upon what she was told that night.  At first, it bothered me that she could ask the angel a question without being struck dumb.  “Why does that only happen to me?” I thought. But, Mary’s attitude was better than mine: She’s humble and accepting, and I had just been sarcastic.  My wife has pointed that out to me before, but it took being mute for me to hear that and understand it.  Elizabeth is very perceptive. She has great instincts.

Joe:    That’s what Mary said. When she arrived at your house, she had barely said “hello” before Elizabeth burst out: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of the womb, Jesus.”  I was amazed to hear that—Mary had told her nothing, yet she knew exactly what was going on.

Zech: That was theHoly Spirit speaking through her.  I remember at that moment, John leaped in her womb.  He was doing somersaults in there, dancing for joy.  We all rejoiced. 

Joe:    I wish she had shared that excitement with me instead of running off in fear of what I might do.  Lately, her head has been telling her that she is not worthy while her heart tells her to simply believe.  Mary goes back and forth between feeling worthy and unworthy. Not to mention, sad and happy; hungry and sick.  Sometimes I think we are both going crazy.

Zech:  That’s normal.You and Mary are about to go through the biggest change in your lives: Nothing is bigger than the responsibility of caring for a child. Give yourself some time to adjust.  And don’t forget to listen and observe–talk if you have to, but mostly pay attention.

Joe:    It’s not that easy.  We’ve only been courting for a short time. We’re still getting to know each other.  And, truthfully…I am worried about becoming a parent. I  feel overwhelmed, even though you think I’d be prepared for this by 32. 

Zech:  Well, i’m in my 60s, and I still don’t have enough experience! I’ve only been a Dad for eight days.

       Elizabeth and I had all those years of marriage when we might have had children, but it just didn’t happen. It’s a wonder Elizabeth and I lived to see this day.

       So Joseph, I don’t want you thinking that you’re alone in your anxieties or in your feelings of isolation. I’m only six months ahead of you, my friend.  Talk to me.

Joe:    I have so many concerns about pregnancy, about the birth, and about life with the baby.  Will everything go smoothly? Will Mary be in pain? Did Elizabeth have much pain in childbirth?

Zech:  She told me it was like pushing a camel through the eye of the needle.

Joe:    I hope she didn’t tell Mary that!

Zech:  A good midwife helps.  But again, what about you – what other concerns do you have?

Joe:    Well, what advice can you give me?

Zech:  Joseph, we’re almost in the same boat here.  God surprises us in times of turmoil, and puts us on the edge of tremendous opportunity.  I wasn’t ready to hear God’s news–just like you.  At my age do you think I was ready to engage the services of the Judean Diaper Company?

       Do you think I’ll be ready to run around after a child all sugared up on Locust and Honey Treats?

       Do you think I’m ready to read to my son from the ancient stories of our tradition?  You bet I am.  I’ve waited a lifetime for this.

Joe:   You’re right, we do have a lot in common.   We’re, apparently, both going to be fathers of very important children. It certainly feels like I will be overshadowed by my son.

Zech:  You and every parent in history. The question we have to ask ourselves is this:  Are we raising our children to be mirror images of ourselves, or are we giving them space to become their own unique, irreplaceable, child-of-God selves?

Joe:    I still don’t know what I have to offer this son.

Zech:  You have yourself; your faith; your abilities; your deep love for his mother. If you keep believing that God will provide; God will.

So… Have we reached the mountaintop or what? You and Mary are laying a solid foundation for parenthood–in mutual trust and strong faith in God. And as for Elizabeth and me… John has just entered into the tradition of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I feel inspiration coming on.  But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself.  Do you have any more concerns?

Joe:   oh, just simple things, like…Will I be able to cope with every problem that arises?  I just hope that we won’t need to travel anytime soon.

Zech:  Well, we can’t plan for the unexpected.  But, we can still lay a foundation for the future.  You’re resourceful. You’re a good carpenter. I’m sure you’ll be able to provide for your new family.

Joe:    My business has been good.  But will it be steady enough to meet the needs of a whole family?  Even so, what can a simple carpenter teach a child who is to be king someday?  It’s a strange feeling.  He will be mine, but he won’t be mine, you know?  This child will be dependent on me – what an awesome and terrifying responsibility.

Zech:  it’s one that every parent has to shoulder. I don’t know where the energy and wisdom will come from. Not from a good night’s rest, that’s for sure. All I can say is, I’ve seen people change and adapt when they become parents. It’s like an everyday miracle. Mary is wise beyond her years.  No doubt, she will be a good mother.  And you will be a good father.

Joe:    And I am confident that you and Elizabeth will be good parents for John.  You mentioned that part of parenting was laying a foundation for the future–and something about the way you said it made me think you have big changes coming. What are your plans, Zechariah?

Zech:  We are going to move from the city. That’s not a choice that would work for everybody, but for us, the world feels like it’s in turmoil right now. For this child, I don’t think that being around that much anger and stress and uncertainty is the best place to grow up.  We feel led to live out in the wilderness.

Joe:    You must do as you feel called to do.  I suspect that being a father won’t be easy at your age.

Zech:  Or at any age.  Joseph, you and I have been entrusted to raise children to live in a world that’s changing in ways I don’t even understand.  Time will tell us God’s plan.  I pray that we may at least teach them to accept God’s purpose instead of agonizing over everything.

Joe:    I pray the same.  Though we may not keep them from their own suffering, I trust the hand of the Lord will be with them both. So let it be.

Zech:  And let it be so.

Conclusion

Whether Joseph and Zechariah ever met is a mystery for the ages.  It’s certain that parents have always met to reflect on the agonies and ecstasies of bringing new lives into the world. This occurs in every age, including this one.

Advent surrounds us all with the potential for a new life in Christ, with

God’s help.

It’s a time to reflect on the agonies of caring and nurturing new lives.  As these fathers, and the mothers they were married to, supported one another, so must we.

Out of our agonies comes the strength to give birth to relationships that change the world, by God’s grace.

Performed Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge