Greetings in Christ’s name!

The gospel of Luke likes to pair stories and people together—at least in the first few chapters.  Right away, Luke presents readers with the stories of two surprising pregnancies.  First, the angel Gabriel visited John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, and informed him that Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth would soon have a son.  But Zechariah didn’t believe it because he and Elizabeth were old and had never been able to have children.  So the angel told him that Zechariah would be struck mute until the son was born.  And sure enough, Zechariah was immediately unable to speak. 

In the very next scene Gabriel appeared to the virgin Mary and gave her similar news.  She too would become pregnant.  Though Mary wondered how it could happen, because she’d never been with a man, her ultimate reply was, “Let it be with me just as you have said.”  The stories seem paired together purposefully, as if to say, “be like Mary, not Zechariah.”  Perhaps Luke knew that most of us are actually more like Zechariah than like Mary—that we’re slow to trust that God can do remarkable and improbable things in our world and in our lives.  But being slow to trust isn’t faithless.  It’s just slow. And trusting slowly is still trusting. When Zechariah’s son was born, his tongue was set free and his faith was demonstrated as he sang praises to God.  And if, like Zechariah’s, our trust comes slowly, that’s OK.  Trusting slowly is still trusting.  So I pray for each of you, that whether your trust comes quickly or slowly, that eventually you’ll want to praise God for the great things God has done and will do in our lives and in our world.

This Week:

Get ready for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the New Year.  Our candle lighting worship on Christmas Eve will be at 6pm.  On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day we’ll have simple worship experiences at our regular time: 10am.  On New Year’s Eve, you can join us at the kneeling benches in the front of the worship room to receive the Lord’s Supper between 6pm and 7pm. 

If you’re looking for a way to give to those in need this Christmas, consider giving food. Several months ago, we closed our Food Pantry for the needy and merged our items with Mary Queen Catholic Church’s Food Pantry. We want keep their pantry supplied. If you’re willing, please bring non-perishable items Mary Queen’s pantry the next three Sundays to our church. There will be a box available as you enter the Worship Center doors.  Your donations will be delivered to Mary Queen.

All women are invited to attend the annual Christmas Party and Cookie Exchange on Thursday, December 15th at Shanna Kirkpatrick’s home.  Bring 2 dozen cookies and show up at 412 Fieldcreek Dr at 6pm. 

May God lavish love on you so that love fills your lives and overflows to everyone around you.  May you be infused with strength and filled with confidence in the goodness of God the Father, Son and Spirit. 

Peace,

David Bridges