dream

when elizabeth became pregnant, she went for seclusion for five months. (luke 1)

though it is only interpretation, but i like one of the explanation given to her seclusion.

the bible described zechariah and elizabeth to be well along in years.
biologically, it was not possible for them to have child.

so although they still prayed for a child, zechariah was no longer expecting answer.
so much so that even gabriel, an angel, wasn't able to convince him.
to him.. having a child was but a dream that would never come true.

but soon afterward, elizabeth became pregnant.

an answered prayer.

ideally, their neighbor would have rejoiced over this miracle. they would have praised God for such a wonder.
but none of such thing was mentioned.
there was only a record of elizabeth praising God for His kindness.

well.. again this is only interpretation.
but possibly.. instead of being happy for her, the neighbor could probably have come to her and expressed their concern over her.

after all.. to be pregnant and to deliver a baby at an old age is always risky, even today. during their time.. i guess it was even worst.

will she be able to deliver safely?
will she or the baby lose their lives?

if gabriel did not shut zechariah's mouth, he could probably be one of those who bring discouragement- despite seeing her pregnant.

and possibly that's why elizabeth went into seclusion.
for she knew that inside her, was God-sent vision waiting to come true.
for she knew that she had to protect her dream.
and she was having none of those negative nonsense from anyone.

many times.. we have visions, great ones.
but many times.. we bury that vision.
because everyone keeps telling us, "that's not possible".

and at best.. they come up with some lips services.
but deep down their heart.. they did not believe it.
just like zechariah.

but as Gabriel said, "my (God's) words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time".
whatever God promises, whatever vision and dream He gives us..
it will only, and certainly so, be fulfilled.. at the proper time.

the problem is.. many times we give up before the proper time arrives.

elizabeth was wise enough to seclude herself..
to protect that vision, and keep her faith.
the only person she met was Maria.. who of course.. shares the same faith.

the best way of protecting our vision,
is to separate ourselves from those with doubts, those who tell us to quit.
and to spend more time with those who shares the same faith, the same vision.

and finally.. when she gave birth..

THEN the neighbor come to rejoice.
THEN zechariah's mouth was opened by God.

THEN the world remembers.. that nothing is ever impossible with God.