Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Luke 1:18-25

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.  When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

When his time of service was completed, he returned home.  After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Elizabeth was a close relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  An angel told Elizabeth that she, though way past child-bearing years, was going to have a baby.  Astonishing and joyful news!  His name was to be called John.  John grew up to be a messenger of God.  He believed that Jesus Christ, the Savior was near.  He also knew and had seen firsthand, the many men and women who were desperately seeking to know God and find comfort in God.  So many of these seekers had been shunned by the Jewish priests and were not allowed to enter the temple where God was both sought and worshipped.  They were outcast and longed to be close to God. 

As a Godly messenger (or prophet), John preached good news for many.  His message was one of love and forgiveness, proclaiming the arrival of Christ, who would embrace these seekers and invite them to worship God regardless of their inadequacies, failures and imperfections.  This Savior would especially draw near to those in need, those who others had forgotten and dismissed.

Like John, we too are called to be God’s messengers, spreading the joyful news that God’s love is for everyone!   Because of what God has done for us [sending Jesus Christ who conquered death and rose to new life that we too may live in the promise of new life] we are filled with JOY!  This is Good News for us and for all people!  We are called to share this joy with everyone we meet. 

How can you share this joy, the Good News of Jesus’ love and forgiveness?  This week, take time to bake some holiday cookies and then seek out a neighbor, a friend or someone who could use some joyful news!

Dear God, in you we find our joy. Help us to bring joyful news to everyone meet.  Help us to speak words of love and forgiveness and to act in service to others, especially those in need.  Amen.