A Word From the Pastor, December 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

The tale of the birth of John the Baptist is one of my favorite Advent stories. Perhaps you'll remember old, barren Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, the priest. Both of them were righteous individuals who loved the Lord. They kept the commandments. They walked in God's ways. Yet, there was sadness in their lives because they had no children and they were getting old in body and spirit.

As the story goes, one day Zechariah is serving in the temple when he experiences an angelic visitation. The angel Gabriel arrives with good news for Zechariah and his wife. At long last, Elizabeth will bear a son. And not just any son. This son will be especially pure and holy. His life will be consecrated to the Lord. His mission will be to turn the people's hearts to God as he declares the coming of the promised Messiah. What incredible good news! What a wonderful surprise! Who could have foreseen such a blessing? There is, however, one problem. Despite a divine revelation through a heavenly messenger, Zechariah immediately doubts God's word. He doesn't believe the promises of God. Zechariah's response to God's good news is not one of joy and gratitude but one of protest and incredulity. What should have been the happiest moment of Zechariah's life becomes a time of trial and testing. Due to his unbelief, Zechariah is struck mute. For nine months the Lord requires Zechariah to wait in silence for the promise of a son to be fulfilled. Finally, when the baby is born and he is named John, as the angel instructed, then at last, Zechariah's speech is restored. When God's promise is fulfilled and Zechariah receives it with joy, then his mouth is set free to proclaim God's goodness, to praise the Lord in poetry and song.

Long ago, God sent his precious Son, Jesus Christ to bring light to those who sit in darkness, hope to those on the verge of despair, forgiveness to those weighed down by sin and shame, steadfast love to those who feel alone or forgotten, wondrous new life that truly transcends the specter of death. John the Baptist foretold Christ's coming. Angelic messengers confirmed Jesus' birth. Wise men sought him from distant lands. The blind, the deaf, and the lame were healed by his hands. Through Jesus' compassionate grace, the hungry were fed, mourners were comforted, demons were cast out, sins were forgiven, lives were renewed, relationships were restored. By his sacrifice on the cross, salvation was won and in his resurrection, life triumphed over the grave, love rose victorious. What good news is ours, in our Savior, Jesus Christ! God's Word has blessed us all!

Zechariah heard an amazing word from the Lord but responded with disbelief, protest, and silence! When we hear the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Word to us, do we respond with a spirit of doubt or a spirit of hopeful confidence? Do we react with anxious, uncertain silence or offer unequivocal, enthusiastic praise? Are we inclined to question God's power and good will or do we gladly celebrate the amazing miracle of love, the joy of new life, that we have in Jesus our Savior.

In this holy season of Advent, may we hear again the story of Christ's coming; may we ponder anew the prospect of his return, his coming again; and may we boldly embrace, proclaim, and celebrate God's promises to us in His Beloved Son, Jesus our Lord.

The Lord Bless You with A Holy Advent,

Rev. Peggy Ann Sauerhoff