INTRODUCTION: [This portion is read from the lectern by the introducer or narrator.]

Advent has been called the "Lent" of Christmas; both bring to this world the light of God’s love in the gift of a Son.

At the time Jesus was born, darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Yet there were believers scattered abroad in every part of the land. These faithful kept bright the light of true religion. God had not left Himself without witnesses; witnesses who yearned for the day of God’s visitation to His people in the coming of His promised Messiah. Among them were Zecharias and Elizabeth. He was a Priest, she the daughter of a Priest. Both played a role in God’s visitation, His advent in the birth of Christ. If Zechariah could speak to us in our 20th century, this might be his st…