Luke 1:5-25
I remember my first time in a severe thunderstorm. I was jolted awake as powerful claps of thunder jarred the building and sent flashes of lightning piercing the dark night sky. I literally thought that there was a war going on right outside my window. With my heart pounding in my chest I crept to the window and very cautiously lifted the edge of the curtain. My fear instantly subsided as I enjoyed an electric light show in the middle of the night. How do we respond when something is new or unexpected? In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah, an old priest (1-5), who had an obvious problem. He was old and his wife, Elizabeth, was unable to have children. God sent an angel to deliver a message of hope to Zechariah (8-17) but he responds in fear and unbelief (18-20). Because of his response God made him unable to speak until his son was born. The story of Zechariah is the beginning of the Christmas story, but it is also a story of thanks. Through Zechariah we see the inability of humanity to solve their problems contrasted with the ability of God to solve humanity's problems. God displayed grace to Zechariah by providing a son and solving his problem. The response of Zechariah is praise of God for His salvation. Through his life and the lessons he learned Zechariah pictures the message of the gospel. First is our human inability to deal with sin. Second is God’s ability to provide salvation by His grace through Jesus, His son. God has saved us by grace just like Zechariah illustrated with his life. The outcome is our praise. May our thanksgiving be filled with gratefulness for what we have in God’s unexpected grace.
For more see CHRISTMAS
I remember my first time in a severe thunderstorm. I was jolted awake as powerful claps of thunder jarred the building and sent flashes of lightning piercing the dark night sky. I literally thought that there was a war going on right outside my window. With my heart pounding in my chest I crept to the window and very cautiously lifted the edge of the curtain. My fear instantly subsided as I enjoyed an electric light show in the middle of the night. How do we respond when something is new or unexpected? In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah, an old priest (1-5), who had an obvious problem. He was old and his wife, Elizabeth, was unable to have children. God sent an angel to deliver a message of hope to Zechariah (8-17) but he responds in fear and unbelief (18-20). Because of his response God made him unable to speak until his son was born. The story of Zechariah is the beginning of the Christmas story, but it is also a story of thanks. Through Zechariah we see the inability of humanity to solve their problems contrasted with the ability of God to solve humanity's problems. God displayed grace to Zechariah by providing a son and solving his problem. The response of Zechariah is praise of God for His salvation. Through his life and the lessons he learned Zechariah pictures the message of the gospel. First is our human inability to deal with sin. Second is God’s ability to provide salvation by His grace through Jesus, His son. God has saved us by grace just like Zechariah illustrated with his life. The outcome is our praise. May our thanksgiving be filled with gratefulness for what we have in God’s unexpected grace.
For more see CHRISTMAS
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