We began our Advent messages last week learning about hope from David in Psalm 25. This week we will study Zachariah’s Song in Luke 1. We’ll see the hope that he demonstrated as he reminded the Israelites that God kept his promises because of his love for them.

As far as we know, Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were a typical, and probably traditional Jewish couple. Except they had been unable to have children. They surely hoped and waited for a very long time. But at their age, (Scripture’s words, not mine.) they no longer held much hope for having a family.

But then, an angel showed up and his message from God changed everything! There was a prophecy, a pregnancy, and a mute husband! Luke 1:26 begins, “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…” Liz Curtis Higgs, author of The Women of Christmas this sentence is proof that God values women because he uses a woman’s pregnancy to mark time.

I think this time of year often makes us reminiscence. Todd and I were talking this week about how it makes us a bit sad that our family traditions have changed. I miss baking cookies and fudge with my Mama and aunts. He misses nearly the entire Olson family gathering for Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

But just as God changed the timing and the traditions for Zachariah and Elizabeth, sometimes he changes them for us as well. It is OK for us to miss our loved ones who are gone. It is OK to honor the past. At the same time, it is also good to be joyful about the present and the future. God’s love held us then and it will hold us now.

P.S. – A note to help us slow down as we mark the time of Advent. I encourage you to choose your favorite Christmas carol or song and memorize more than the first verse. Then you can sing it to yourself as you mull over the meaning.

Let’s be Changed in our Waiting,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Mario Losereit on Unsplash

The moment I realized I hadn’t blogged yet this week, God gave me my topic. I was sitting in the spot where I have devotions. I can look through a glass door where I have a row of prisms. That morning not much light was coming through and the prisms were dark in color. I realized they were still beautiful.

And I thought, how like God that is! There is beauty when the sun is shining brightly and there is beauty when days are dim or overcast. Sometimes we have to look more to find the beauty, but it is there if we choose to adjust our view or perspective.

What perspective do we hold is a good question to ask ourselves as we approach the holiday season. A few years ago I read a book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts that challenged me to be more grateful. For the year before Voskamp wrote the book, she kept a gratitude journal. She wrote at least three gifts per day – hence 1,000 gifts.

Voskamp uses a Greek word eucharisteo (pronounced you-cha-wrist-tay-o). It encompasses the Greek words charis (pronounced care-us) and chara (pronounced car-uh), the former means grace and the latter joy. It’s the word we get Eucharist from to refer to communion because Jesus used it during the last supper.

Luke 22:19 says, And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus knew what was coming..that his body would be broken and his blood spilled…and in the midst of it he still gave thanks.

Voskamp says the lesson from this is to see all, the good, bad, and in-between as grace. When we see all as grace (charis) and give thanks (eucharisteo), we then get a deep joy (chara). I pray that for you and me Friends! God Bless you this Thanksgiving.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

On Sunday, November 10 Pastor Todd spoke from the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts on how the disciples followed Jesus’ final three commands to them. They waited in Jerusalem (in prayer). They received the Holy Spirit infilling on the day of Pentecost. They then burst forth to witness to anyone who would listen.

Pastor mentioned there are many patterns of three in Scripture and that our brains see a three-part pattern as completed. I realized that I recently heard another story of the disciples and a three-part pattern.

Last week at Nazarene Discipleship International Leader’s Conference, we heard a message from Rev. Cricket Albertson, a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and Executive Director of Titus Women Ministry. She shared the story in John 21 where Jesus has breakfast with the disciples after his resurrection.

Then Jesus and Peter have a private conversation. Three times Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” Three times Peter answers “Yes, Lord.” Three times Jesus replies, “Feed my sheep.” Remember this is post-resurrection, therefore it is also after Peter denied Jesus three times the night he was arrested.

It was probably painful that day on the beach for Peter to have Jesus question his love three times. But it was also healing to him. It was also a reaffirmation to Peter, as Jesus says to him again, “Follow me!”

I treasure this story in the times when I feel like a failure. Peter was one of Jesus’ closet earthly friends. But on Jesus’ worst night, Peter deserted and denied him. Jesus gently restores Peter with this three-part call. When we see Peter next, he is waiting and praying in the Upper Room. Then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter is part of the Early Church that changed the world! May it be so for us.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Michał Mancewicz on Unsplash