From Pastor Andrew’s Desk

 Happy Advent season!

Becky, myself and the boys just decorated the tree and it was a true blast. They clearly find much better places to place ornaments than dad does! (Here’s a decorated tree that is not ours!) 

This Sunday, as we rest in the peace God has given us through the salvation that is ours in the advent and work of Christ, we’ll be singing Mighty to Save and My Jesus I Love Thee.
 
We’ll be continuing our Sunday School series on “Living a Life of Generosity,” It has already been a joyous and impactful time.  Join us this Sunday as Dan Frasier shares on ‘giving generously.’ Dan will be speaking of the blessing of giving financially to the Lord out of worship and experiencing the abundant joy of the Lord’s provision. Dan has been a witness to us in his trust in God. I know this will be a powerful time of sharing and encouragement so please join us at 9:00 am in the Coggin Room!
 
I also want to share our development of a commitment participation process for those who’ll be serving in various areas of our church. The most time-sensitive area for this, would be the worship team, due to the transition season we are in. But this will be applicable and helpful in other key ministry areas. We’re striving for a comprehensive and clear process for all who serve here at First Church. The Lord will use this in a wonderful way. Please bear with the FCCB Worship Planning Team (James, Abby, Tom, Steve, Gerri and myself) as we gradually develop this and as we look to mid-late January as a time to potentially roll it out. I am confident that all who serve and those who lead will benefit from this in so many ways! I am grateful for the Lord’s leading. If you have any questions feel free to ask me or anyone else on the worship team!
            

This Sunday I’ll be preaching on Luke 1:57-80. I look forward to continuing this powerful story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and their walk with the Lord as they prepare for the birth of their son, John the Baptist. When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy” (v. 57-58).  The birth of children, weddings, anniversaries, etc. are all wonderful times of celebration and praise to God for His wonderful and marvelous work! I believe Christians should be the best at celebrating, because we have so much for which to give endless thanks to God! We should throw the best parties and enter into each other’s joy the most because of His endless mercy and grace that is new every morning! The Bible is flooded with moments of this wonderful celebration and excitement – thanks be to God.  What can you give thanks to God for today? Maybe throw a party?

  
On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. (v. 59). That’s interesting….I thought naming a child was the parent’s role! Have you ever met people who impose their expectations on you and essentially want you to do what they tell you? Well, the crowd essentially said something like “time to name him Zechariah Jr.” Moments like make it is so hard to stand up for something different than what the crowd wants and thinks. After all, there were probably some people that Elizabeth really respected in this crowd. It is never enjoyable feel like you let people down. But here’s the deal. Elizabeth had heard from God. She knows His good works and word that He so clearly sowed in her life. It was time to speak up. It was time to name what the Lord had so clearly shared with her. She says with utmost confidence: “No! He is to be called John.” (v. 60). Amen- preach it sister! Elizabeth knew what God shared with her and was unafraid to share it boldly, even in the midst of other’s competing expectations and ideas. When the Lord puts things on our hearts so clearly, let’s walk out in faith as Elizabeth- did, trusting in His leading and timing.

Meanwhile Zechariah was still silent at this time. And it wasn’t until a week after John’s birth and the period of silence that Zechariah walked out in faith. “He asked for a writing tablet and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “his name is John.” ‘Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God’ (v. 64). Zechariah’s time of silence in waiting on God was complete. It was time to praise Him boldly and loudly! What a totally unique experience Zechariah had in preparing people for the Lord through this sequence.

 
Have you been through a difficult time in your life where you’ve waited on God? Maybe God has revealed something profound to you. But you have to enter a season of waiting for the fullness of that revelation. Remember, nothing is lost on God in the process of His work. It may be long, arduous and demanding, but remember, He is in control, leading every step of the way as you trust Him. It’s all about the journey of faith with the Lord. Zechariah had a lot of time to think on these revelations. When it was time to pour out what God had poured into Him – it was time!! By Zechariah’s response people clearly knew that the Lord was on the move in His life. So be encouraged.  Keep walking by faith, keep trusting, keep believing and looking up to Him. He will show His grace and love in unfathomable ways, all for His honor and glory!
 
Zechariah went on to sing/speak one of the most poetic and beautiful words of praise in the Scriptures. It is called the “Benedictus” in many Christian circles. Read verses 68-80. It starts with powerful words of praise: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them.” (v. 68). The Lord’s plan of salvation and redemption was now being revealed to Zechariah and His people in His perfect timing. God had not forgotten His people and His work. Now was the time for the full revelation.  This is what Advent is all about. The Lord’s perfect and wonderful ways are demonstrated to His people as we wait, watch and hope. Come this Sunday and be blessed.
 
            Blessings,
 
            Pastor Andrew