Christmas Hope

The angel Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah;
your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord… He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.  And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous
—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
– Luke 1:13-17

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for you.  The past two years have been difficult and extremely challenging for all leaders and particularly church leaders.  We faced the changing landscape with prayer and obedience to God and to the law.  But we have not come through this global pandemic unscathed.  Some members will have moved to different congregations.  Some people will simply find it easier to worship online when convenient and not return to in person worship.  We have experienced an enormous shift in staffing which creates stress and difficulty to maintain critical ministries.  The bright places this month have been our return to two services, our commitment to pray before each service, our open and honest conversations.  Please continue to pray for me, my family, our Session, our current and future staff.

Thanksgiving is this week, but many of us are focused on making preparations for next month’s events and festivities.  Zechariah was given the news that his son, John, would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord”.  As we prepare for holidays, parties, and celebrations, are we also making preparations to receive the Lord?

We, like John, should be turning “the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)  As we give thanks around tables, let us joy and delight in the children.  Let us rejoice in God’s presence.  Let us turn our hearts to God in true Thanksgiving.

This week’s question: What am I hoping for?

Through the Advent season, we remember the women in the genealogy of Jesus.  Tamar was with child and bore twin sons.  We give thanks that Tamar confronted boldly the injustices which threatened to keep her barren. Tamar’s righteousness caused her to become a foremother of Jesus.

 

Lord, in these days, we need justice to roll down on us like water, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.  May we protect with love and concern, those who have been abused and forgotten.  Show us opportunities to welcome the lonely and the hurting to our tables, that we all may be truly thankful for your provision, your protection and your love.  Amen.

 

Hear then, O house of David!  The Lord will give you a sign.  A young woman shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”