“And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Luke 1:20 NIV

We miss the memo: it was an ugly sweater party but we wore a black cocktail dress. Our kids texted, but they didn’t call, and it hurts more than they know. Everyone showed up two hours late because they didn’t realize the meal was at noon, and now the ham is cold.

During Christmas, there’s immense opportunity for communication breakdowns.

Even in the advent story, we see a breakdown in communication. When Zechariah didn’t believe the angel who appeared to say his infertile wife, Elizabeth, would become pregnant, he became mute. Let’s imagine being unable to speak to our spouse about seeing an angel and experiencing a miracle. It was likely challenging and frustrating for both of them.

But this was Elizabeth’s response:

“Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people” (Luke 1:25).

While she could have grumbled (and may have certainly had frustrating days), she set an example of how to respond when communication breaks down—she looked to the Lord.

When we face similar breakdowns, we must look for God and find grace and patience. He will help us communicate and see beyond the circumstances and into the bigger purpose of what He’s doing.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Help me be patient…

Exhale: … and communicate well.