I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3

According to a song of the season, this is the “most wonderful time of the year”; yet for many it is filled with both joy and sadness.  The Christmas season brings up memories of years past and long-gone family members.  The hustle and bustle can become a burden rather than a fun adventure.  Planning, prepping, baking, shopping and wrapping sometimes becomes a chore and then some crooner is telling you to “be of good cheer”.  Yet maybe you are not.  Maybe in the midst of the joy and fun, you find yourself sad.

That is okay.

It is okay to feel the holiday sadness, the loss, even feeling alone while surrounded by many.  It is okay to sometimes not feel the “holly jolly”.  And it is okay to take this to God, for he will hear your cry.

Many churches have a “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” service.  If you can, take advantage of one.  Perhaps you have a favorite holiday tradition that brings you meaning, if so, allow it to comfort you.  Or maybe you need a little quiet place, away from the noise, the lights, even the excitement.  Find that place, listen to your needs, trust in your God for he will put a new song in your mouth.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:76-79

These words of Zechariah the Priest are a part of his prayer, giving praise to God for a child, for the special role of his child, and for the fulfillment of the promise – for the Kingdom is at hand.

Zechariah tenderly speaks to his newborn son John about John’s call in life – to call people to repentance and announce the coming of the Messiah.

On one hand it sounds like an incredible ministry for John, yet on the other, it is very similar to our own.  Each of us are called to announce the Messiah, to spread the good news of Jesus in any way we can.

The Advent and Christmas seasons give us plenty of times and ways to spread the message; are you prepared to do so?

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 14

Typical of the prophetic word, Isaiah’s words have a dual meaning – one for the immediate situation, and one for the future.  In this passage, it is associated with a young woman named Mary, who is called to one of the most important ministries ever, becoming the mother of Jesus.

Jesus, the Messiah, is also called Immanuel, or God with us.  This is one of the key factors in our salvation, our life with God.  God is not “up there” watching over us like a disappointed, angry celestial being, rather God walks with us.  God has walked this earth as Jesus, going through life’s ups and downs, having friends, feeling loss, being tempted, getting into arguments and still pointing us towards the Kingdom of Heaven.

As you journey through this Advent season remember this: God is with you, each step of the way.

Peace,

Pastor Bill