As we enter the Christmas season, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday—decorations, gifts, family, and celebrations. But beyond the festivities, there’s a deeper message in the story of Christ’s birth: the call of Christmas. This call is not just for the characters in the nativity story—Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, or the wise men—but for all of us. And as we reflect on this call, we must face a powerful question: Are we living out our full calling, or have we settled for something less?

A Higher Calling

We often think that we are living in the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives, but what if we’re only scratching the surface? In fact, I believe that each of us has a higher calling than we are currently walking in. If you think you’re fulfilling your calling fully, you might be deceiving yourself. Even I, as I reflect on my own life, know that I’m walking in only a portion of my calling. That’s because God reveals our purpose in steps—not all at once. If He gave us the whole picture at the start, we’d rush through it, missing the deeper lessons along the way.

The Hardest Part: Pressing Through Doubt

One of the biggest obstacles to answering God's call is doubt. We all experience it at some point. Maybe you've prayed for something for so long—something that burns deeply in your heart—but nothing seems to happen. You’ve hoped, cried, worked hard, and yet, nothing changes. You feel like you were made for something greater, but nothing seems to produce the results you desire.

In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we see this struggle vividly. Zechariah, a priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, had longed for a child for years. In their culture, barrenness was seen as a disgrace, and yet, they had been unable to conceive. Over time, they resigned themselves to the fact that their dreams might never come true. Zechariah had prayed for a child, but the years of unanswered prayer had left him hopeless, and when the angel Gabriel appeared to him to deliver the good news, Zechariah doubted.

Despite the miraculous nature of the moment—an angel speaking directly to him—Zechariah struggled with disbelief. He had lost his expectancy. How many times have we prayed prayers without real faith, out of obligation or desperation, but without believing that God would actually answer?

When God Says, “I’ve Heard Your Prayers”

In Luke 1:13, the angel tells Zechariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” It’s a powerful reminder that even when we’ve lost faith, God is still listening. He answers our prayers, not because of our perfect faith, but because of His perfect timing and purpose.

Zechariah’s doubt doesn’t disqualify him from receiving God’s blessing. God’s response is not dependent on how strong our faith is but on His grace and His perfect plan. Sometimes, like Zechariah, we may feel like our prayers have gone unheard, but God’s timing is always right. It’s not about “if” God will answer, but when.

The Sign We Seek

Another key moment in the story is when Zechariah demands a sign. He asks the angel, “How can I be sure of this?” (Luke 1:18). The angel’s response is both a rebuke and a protection: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1:19). Gabriel is essentially saying, “I am the sign! How many times have you prayed for a sign, but when it comes, you still doubt?”

This made me think: How often do we ask God for signs, and even when they come, we fail to believe them? Zechariah’s muteness was not a punishment but a protection. God knew that if Zechariah spoke in his doubt, it could derail the promise God was about to fulfill. Words of doubt can kill dreams. Zechariah’s silence ensured that only faith-filled words would come from him, words that would protect the miraculous work God was about to do.

Guarding Your Calling

Elizabeth’s story also teaches us something important. When she discovered she was pregnant, she hid herself away for five months. While we can’t know for sure why, I believe part of it was because she needed to protect her blessing. Sometimes, the world isn’t ready for the promises God is giving us. If we share too soon, others might speak words of doubt, ridicule, or disbelief. Elizabeth’s time of hiding was a time of preparation, a way to protect her calling and ensure she wouldn’t be swayed by others’ negative voices.

In the same way, God calls us to guard our own calling. Who we listen to matters. If you share your dreams and calling with people who doubt or criticize, it can cause you to question whether God is really leading you. Be careful who you allow to speak into your life, and sometimes, it’s okay to keep things between you and God until the moment is right.

Steadfast and Unmovable

One key to walking in your full calling is being steadfast and immovable. If you’re constantly wavering or unsure, you can’t carry the weight of the blessings God wants to give you. As I discussed with someone recently, the key to success in God’s kingdom is to be “all in.” Don’t hedge your bets or keep one foot in the world and one in the faith. If you’re going to step into your calling, you have to be all in.

God doesn’t bless those who are half-hearted. He calls us to unwavering commitment to His plan. Zechariah’s muteness, I believe, was a way of ensuring that he would be steadfast. When God speaks, we need to listen without hesitation or doubt.

Rising Above the Haters

Finally, consider Elizabeth’s experience after her pregnancy. God took away her reproach, elevating her above the voices of shame and criticism. The same is true for you. God’s call on your life will elevate you above those who doubt or try to hold you back. Just like an eagle soaring high above the clouds, you are meant to rise above negativity and doubt.

When you embrace your calling, you won’t be swayed by the opinions of others. You’ll be able to rise on wings like eagles, knowing that God has called you to something greater than you can even imagine.

Conclusion: Your Call Is Waiting

This Christmas, take a moment to reflect on the calling God has placed on your life. Just like Zechariah, you may face doubt and struggle with timing, but don’t let that stop you. God’s call is powerful, and even when we feel inadequate or uncertain, He will lead us in His perfect time.

Press through the doubt. Embrace the calling. And remember—God has a higher calling for you than you are living right now.