Today, we have a relaxed morning and get on Amtrak at 1:30PM.

Pray
• That the day would truly be relaxing for our youth.

• That relationships would stay strong on the very long train ride back.

• That Jesus would prepare homes to receive these youth back.

Today, we will have the opportunity to worship, take a swamp tour and get beignets.

Pray
• For our leaders to have discernment regarding our attendance at the worship.

• That our youth would be open to the very different style of worship, should we go.

• That our youth would be refreshed by a less jam packed day.

• That we would thoroughly enjoy the swamp tour experience.

By name:
Youth - Robbie Barnes & Wonder Wang

Today, is likely a solid mix of spiritual strength/energy clashing with physical tiredness
and weariness. It is the last day of the full gathering experience.

Pray
• That youth would have boldness and courage to speak up if there was a breakout
session they desired to do but have not yet done.

• That we would be filled with gentleness and kindness and patience for one another,
even in our physically tired state.

• That our tired bodies would be protected from any sickness.

• That our youth would be empowered to grow as disciples. That they would grow in
hope for the future.

Theme: Endure to THE end.
We look to the end, not just the end of this experience, but the end of all things. We
look to the goal and completion of all things. We consider how God calls and equips
us to live within our callings today, while we wait.

By name:
Adults - Pastor Dave, Matthew Werdehausen

Today, youth are likely feeling more confident about how things “work” at the
gathering. They have also started to form some good relationships. A bit of tiredness
tends to set in during late afternoon.

Pray
• For wisdom and discernment for each youth as they pick breakout sessions. That
they would have courage to choose sessions that help them grow as disciples.

• That our youth would grow as disciples. That they would grow in their love of Jesus
centered community.

• That the Holy Spirit would grant us power and energy to stay engaged in topics and
growth.

Theme: Endure AS a people.
Our individual journeys of faith are never walked alone. We are part of a greater
people. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Although the church is
made up of people broken by sin, it is nevertheless a holy gathering where the people
of Christ receive and share in the gifts of Jesus.

Tonight we will also have the opportunity to attend another “Mass Event plus.”

By name:
Youth - Lyla Eversole, Maddie Schilb, Noah Prill

Today, we start a “rhythm.” We repeat this rhythm on Monday and Tuesday. Youth will
attend three breakout sessions and a large group Bible study.

Pray
• For wisdom and discernment for each youth as they pick breakout sessions. That
they would have courage to choose sessions that help them grow as disciples.

• That our youth would grow as disciples. That they would grow in their love of Jesus
and all he endured for them.

• For our large group Bible Study leaders. (Stephen and Krista)

• That youth would quickly get a feel for the layout of the very large convention center.

Theme: Endure IN Jesus.
We run with endurance by looking to Jesus, who endured the cross for us. On this
night, we will look at what Jesus endured on the cross. We will reflect on the joy that
was set before Him, which encouraged Him in his pain. We will also discover what it
means for us to endure as we look to Jesus in faith.
Tonight we will have the opportunity to attend “Mass Event plus” which is a bigger
name “entertainment act”. Mass Event plus takes us VERY late into the evening -
ending at 11:15PM.

By name:
Youth - Jack Stockamp, Kaela Kriete, Lilly Wiese

Today, we arrive in New Orleans AND actually begin the gathering.

Pray
• That the train would arrive a bit early so that we have plenty of time to register and
get settled into hotel.

• We would have discernment about where and how to get food based on the time
restraints we have.

• For a miraculous lack of confusion or difficulty for the crowds as they try to enter the
Superdome starting at 7:30PM.

Theme: Endure
It can be a word of encouragement, shared to help someone persevere. It can be a
reminder of the burdens people carry as they consider the cost of enduring. It can be a
word of hope as we look to God’s faithful promises and trustworthy character.

By name:
Cheri Stoffer (adult), Cheryl Schuetze (adult)

Tonight we leave Columbia, drive to Centralia, Ill. and then get on Amtrak.

Pray for:
• Safe travels. We pray for safety not just of body, but also of heart and mind. Satan
would love to attack before we even arrive.

• No difficulty boarding the train and getting settled. Pray for peace for our adult
leaders, as they try to discern where to be and how to quickly board train.

• Some sleep. We need God’s miraculous power to help us sleep well on the train.

• Meaningful connections within our group on the train ride. The ride is LONG, we do
not arrive in New Orleans until 1PM (at very earliest) on Saturday. This gives us lots of
time to play games and just get used to hanging out together.

By name (each day we will include specific people who are on the trip to pray for):
Youth - Amanda Schuetze, AJ (Andrew) Simmons, Gideon Hynek

Friday, July 18th, 12 youth and 4 adults from Alive In Christ will be traveling to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering (NYG). They will join with thousands of youth and adults from other LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) churches from around the country.  

The National Youth Gathering is "held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. "

We will be sending out a daily prayer guide during the National Youth Gathering (7/18-7/25).  Please join in praying for our AIC team that is going and for all of the participants.

Starting now, leading up to the gathering, we ask that you be in prayer for the following:

• The theme of the gathering is “Endure.” Endurance is certainly needed on a trip like
this, but we do not just want to survive, we want to thrive, in Christ. Ask Jesus to
empower us to endure.

• The key scripture is: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us
run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endure. Consider him
who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow
weary or fainthearted.”Hebrews 12:1-3

• Pray that the Holy Spirit fills us so that we have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Pray - often - for protection of our physical bodies. Things like pink-eye, the common
cold and covid run wild at these things. Pray for protection of our bodies.

• Pray for “unity” among our 16 participants. Consider this scripture: “Share the same
love, and have one mind and purpose.” Philippians 2:2

A New Thing
Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”

If you’re reading this on New Years Eve, first of all “Happy NEW Year”.  Today we’re at the END of 2023 and tomorrow we BEGING 2024!  Wow!  How’s YOUR year been?  What were some of the good things?  What were the challenges?  How have each changed your life?  Drawn you deeper into your relationship with God?  Blessed you?  Or, caused you pain?  

This day in our culture is typically a day of celebration and over indulgence. Typical of our culture, we’d rather have a good time, forget the bad and enjoy ourselves for awhile.  And while there’s nothing “wrong” with celebration, If we’re not intentional, we can miss the richness and depth this day can bring.  That’s actually the idea behind a “New Years Resolution”!  You “resolve” to make some changes in the “New Year”.  The slate is clean and it’s time to make some changes!  The common experience about New Year’s Resolutions is that within a short time, those resolutions are forgotten and you revert back to the way things “were” or “have always been”.  

POINT:  CHANGE IS HARD!  

So, how can we “change” when our “old” nature is always trying to keep things the way things were?  

Well, our text for this last day of the calendar year gives us some help!  First, notice “WHO” is doing the work?  “Behold “I”….God….is doing a new thing!  We are very limited in our ability!  Why?  Well, that’s because of our sin nature.  Sin has make us “less”.  It’s bound us to things are are ineffective, corrupt, not able to live in the way we were designed.  This is our “old nature”.  But when you have received the Gift God gave.  When you receive Jesus and believe He’s your Savior from the “old”, God does a NEW work in you and through you.  This is why the Bible says:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

This verse is actually Alive In Christ’s foundation verse!  This verse is what we are to be about!  Bringing the “new” life of Jesus to all around us!  SO, if you want to change.  If you desire something “new”, that’s something that God desires too!  So how do we receive it?  Walk in it?  Live it?  Well, on the eve of a “New Year”, why not “resolve” to draw closer to Jesus!  Why not resolve to listen to Him daily in His Word?  Why not resolve to love God more by worshipping Him and thanking for the Gift of Jesus in your life?  Why not resolve to be more open with other about the new life He’s given you and why not resolve to allow Him to change you!  May He bring a “new thing” in your life this New Year!

Heavenly Father, Thank You for this past year!  All the blessings and even the challenges!  Father, help me love YOU more!  Help me love Jesus MORE!  Help me follow Your Holy Spirit MORE!  Father, help me resolve to orient my life around YOU and be glorifies in and through my life all the days You give me in 2024!  In Jesus Name. AMEN!  - By Pastor Tim

What The Gift Brings
Revelation 5:6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.  How does THIS verse from the end of the Bible have ANYTHING to do with Christmas or the coming of Jesus or His gift of forgiveness and salvation?  GREAT questions!  Well, in our text today we see past present time.  In fact we see into eternity and the ultimate reality that exists.  All that we see temporally, will pass away.  Everything most people think makes up their life, will fade.  The “stuff” we “own”.  The things we’ve accumulated.  Many of the accomplishments of our life will no longer be remembered shortly after we are gone.  When Adam fell into sin, the consequences were far greater than he could have ever imagined!  By the way, that’s true for us!   Sin’s consequences are always greater than we realize!  But in our text, we see this scene in eternity where a “Lamb” (i.e. Jesus) takes a scroll from the hand of God.  When He does, there is a response from those who were seated there.  Their response?  Worship!  Interestingly, each of the living creatures is holding something that’s significant!  A harp and bowls of incense.  We’re told the incense represents the “prayers of the saints”.  Now, we’re not told “what those prayers are” specifically.  

But know this:  Your prayers are being heard by God!  

Now, on the scroll are seven seals.  A “seal” is an imprint of authority.  Each seal has the stamp of God’s ultimate authority on them.  So, what that means is whatever is written on the scroll IS reality.  It is what the King will do, declare, make happen.  Now, when you keep reading in the Revelation, you discover that each seal represents a judgment that is opened up on earth.  Each is horrible!  We’re in them now!  We see it on the news.  We read it in the paper.  Are these judgments in response to the “prayers of the saints” who are crying out to God for justice, salvation, rescue from the evil one and his war on God’s people?  What we DO know is that Jesus has “ransomed people FOR God, from every tribe and language and people and nation”!  The Gift of Jesus is EFFECTIVE!  AND, the Gift received makes those “ransomed” a “kingdom of priests to God”.  A priest is a servant.  One who serves God and His will!  One of the effects of the Gift of Jesus is that we will “reign on the earth”.  That’s the “new heaven and earth” that the Revelation reveals and that Jesus will bring.  And just as the Bible starts with mankind having “dominion” i.e. “rule”, so Jesus will restore Eden!  Remember what I’ve been saying: “God is committed to Eden”.  So as we get close to the end (of both the season of Christmas AND the end of all things), how will YOU prepare for THIS?  

First, receive the Gift of Jesus!  Look to Him.  

Trust in Him for YOUR salvation and ransom!  

See what He offers you and believe!  

And then as you pray, pray for others to receive the Gift.  Since you are a “priest to God”…a servant of the Most High, ask HIM if He might use your life to bless and help others!  Remember the Gift of Jesus isn’t ONLY for you!  It IS for you but it’s also for every tribe and language and people and nation!  How might God use you in THAT Gift?

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have made us “priests”.  Help us serve You, love You, worship You and obey You, so that others might receive the Gift of Jesus You are offering the world!  In Jesus Name. AMEN - By Pastor Tim

The Gift of Love
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

I don’t know about you, but John 3:16-17 has never been on my “list” of Christmas-centric verses in the Bible!  When I think of verses that are “Christmas specific”, I always go to Luke 2, or maybe one of the prophets.  But this Advent, our theme is “The Greatest Gift”.  I mean, we give “gifts” based on the idea that God gave us Jesus.  So, when we were putting this all together, John 3:16 came to mind.

“For God so loved the world that He GAVE…”

There it is!  And there are several thoughts about this.  

First of all, God, is a “giver”.  Is that how you think of Him?  One Who gives gifts?  Many people don’t think of God this way.  Maybe they think He’s a taker.  Or a demander.  Or someone who isn’t interested in OUR good.  But here we see that God is a giver of the GREATEST gift!  Second, “God is love”.  His Nature, His Character is love!  Now, there’s a LOT we could say about that as well.  And many don’t believe that God IS love and that He desires to give it to them.  Plus, the world, the flesh and the devil has redefined love to mean something other than how God defines love.  The “love” fallen mankind defines is self-seeking and self-centered.  God’s love is very, very different!  

Third, God is LAVISH in His giving!  He is GENEROUS!  The “Gift” He gave was COSTLY!  He gave His Son, Who Gave His life, so that YOU could receive YOURS!  So, God gave up everything so you could have everything!  

Now, you’ll notice that I’ve included verse 17 in our text for today.  Notice what it says:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

So, that means, first, God’s motive wasn’t “condemnation” but “salvation”!  How do we see that expressed in the Gift of Jesus?  Well, God IS a God of justice!  And that’s a VERY good thing!  Sin, requires justice.  Sin is NOT what “should be”.  And justice seeks to right that wrong.  Jesus, took on Himself the justice OUR sin deserves so that we wouldn’t get “justice” but “salvation”.  We would experience life and restoration and reconciliation.  These are all benefits of the Gift of Jesus.

Now…how do you respond to such a gift?  

First of all, receive it!  

Second of all, thank Him for it.  

Third, allow His gift of love and grace and mercy and reconciliation and life and truth and peace and joy and hope and provision and direction and meaning and purpose bring YOU to love Him back!  

His gift is transformational!  It changes our heart and mind and our actions.  It changes the way we see ourselves and others.  It enables us to love, not like the world or our fallen flesh defines love.  It enables and empowers us to love like Jesus; sacrificially and generously.  And we don’t do it because we feel obligated or we “have to”.  “We love, because He first loved us” - 1 John 4:19. And THAT is how HIS gift is shared!  The beautiful thing about THIS gift, is you don’t have to wait until Christmas to share it!  Each day is an opportunity to share God’s greatest Gift with those around you.  So, who will YOU share God’s love with today?  Who will YOU share Jesus with?  

Heavenly Father, help me share Your Gift of Jesus with someone today!  In Jesus Name!  Amen.
 - By Pastor Tim

The Prophetess Anna
Luke 2:36-38 “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. “

In three verses, we discover all that scripture records of the Prophetess Anna.  We know her lineage, her tribe and we have a few details about her life.  She was married for seven years.  After her husband passed away, she dedicated her life to seeking and serving God in the temple.  She had a reputation for worshiping with the spiritual disciplines of fasting and for prayer.  She did this night and day in the temple.  While we don’t know exactly her age, scripture does say that she was “advanced in years”.  So that probably means that after the death of her husband she spend decades in the temple.  What does this brief description tell us about Anna?  She was focused.  She was dedicated.  She was a woman of faith.  And, she was a woman who heard from God.  When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple that day, clearly the Holy Spirit spoke to her.  Clearly the Holy Spirit pointed out THIS family in the midst of undoubtedly many families who were also there to offer the offerings required after having a child.  Clearly, Anna was listening and when the Holy Spirit spoke to her about Jesus as Messiah, she moved towards Him.  Imagine, all those decades of waiting for Messiah to come.  Imagine the Spirit, Who she had come to know through worship, fasting and prayer speaking to her, “this is He”!  Imagine the joy in her heart when she saw….Him!  We know there was something like this going on because the text says: “she began to give thanks to God AND to speak of Him to ALL who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (v. 38).  So, by faith, Anna did two things.  First, she “gave thanks to God”.  But thanks for what?  Thanks for her Redeemer Jesus!  And second, she began to prophesy to others about Him.  This is why she’s one of only five “prophetess’” mentioned in the Bible!  A prophet(ess) is someone who speaks “forth” God’s Word.  Here in this case Anna proclaimed Jesus as the promised Redeemer….the Messiah….the ONE given by God, Who would “redeem” or buy back the world from sin, the fear of death and the evil one.  In short, this was the child promised in Genesis 3, who would “crush” the “head” of the evil one and reverse the curse.  This was the “Lamb of God Who would take away the sins of the world”- John 1:29.  This was God’s GREATEST Gift!  And she was the second of the “two witnesses” that day that prophetically proclaimed…introduced God’s Gift…Jesus, to the world!  So, how might YOU join Anna in telling others about God’s Gift?  May SHE inspire and instruct you as you receive the Gift of Jesus and may you follow her beautiful example in your life!

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the prophetess Anna.  We thank you for her example to us of focus, dedication, discipline and obedience.  Help us to imitate her love for You.  Help us to hear and see and proclaim Jesus to those around us.  And help us to glorify the Gift You’ve given FOR us and TO us…Jesus!  It’s in His Name we pray.  Amen - By Pastor Tim

Luke 2:25-35 “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,  32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
 
The long game. Simeon was playing the long game. Simeon was trusting what God had promised him, that he would see the Christ (Jesus) before he died. How many people had been waiting for that time? How many years/days left did he have before it was to late? But did he stumble? Did he ever wonder our doubt that it was going to happen? We don’t know. But what we do know is that he was consistent in his faith.

Webster defines “devout” as “committed, pursuit, a mode of behavior and righteous as acting in accord with a divine law.”  What was Simeon doing while he was waiting. Living life, spending time with God and God’s family. So it would make sense that he would see Jesus while at the temple.

So the question we need to ask ourselves is, are we playing the long game? Are we trusting the promises that Jesus has given us. John 3: 16 states it clearly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  A little latter in John Jesus says, “ In my Fathers house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

Q: How do we keep the faith in the long game when the world around us criticizes it?
A: Follow Simeon’s lead.
1) Be in the word on a daily/consistent basis.  Psalm 119: 105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my fee and a light unto my path
2) Go to church and/or a small group on a consistent basis. Hebrews 10: 25, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that he day of his returning is drawing near.”
3) Listen to Preaching of God’s word.   Romans 10: 17, “So faith comes from what is heard and, and what is heard by the sharing/preaching/Word of Christ”
4) Pray. Phillipians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to Do. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus help us to be like Simeon and be consistent in the long game, in following and trusting in your promises. - By Will Kiehl

Luke 2:21-35 “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Follow the plan.  This section of scripture recants what Mary and Joseph did with Jesus after he was born. They followed the scripture for their child as laid out by God from the book of Moses. They trusted and believed in the process and the plan.
So it should be with us. We need to follow the plan that God has provided for us with our Children, our lives. Deuteronomy 6: 7-8, “And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.” Yes, being a follower of Christ is a mind set, a way of life. There are teachable moments though out the day, one just needs to be aware of them. Remember you can’t teach someone if they are not present to be taught.

Strive for a relationship with your child even when it is hard. Ephesians 6: 4 instructs us as follows, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This verse is a reminder of the intent of the message, the disciple, the teachable moments we will have with our children. We need to pray that we are not looking at our own interest, but instead on the interest of our children. There has to be a purpose behind the discipline. It’s important for us to put into effect Hebrews 12: 11, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Jesus, you have told us that there is no greater joy in seeing that our Children are following the truth. Give us wisdom, patience and the extra doses of love that are needed to train up our children in the way that they should go, so that when the get old they will not depart from it. 
- By Will Kiehl

Luke 2:17 - 21 “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Wonderment!  These verses drip with people wondering about what just happened, wondering about what they were just told. After all, the shepherds had an amazing experience in which they heard an angel tell them that the Savior, Christ the Lord was born on this day and a host of angels saying “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom he’s pleased.” So it makes sense that they would tell all those that they came in touch with what they had experienced, what they heard. It reminds me of what Peter and John said in Acts 4, v. 20, “ For we cannot speak of what we have seen and heard.” I love the simplicity of the lesson that we can learn from the Shepards. We don’t need to be bible scholars to cause people to wonder about Christ, we simply need to share how we have seen and experienced God in our own lives. No once can refute your life story. Romans 10: 17 says, “So faith comes from what is heard and, and what is heard by the sharing/preaching /Word of Christ.”

This is a great time to pause and think about how God has been in your life. What are the cool things that you have experienced and seen, from the big things to the very subtle things. Spend some time pondering events that have occurred in your life, and take the perspective of time to see how God has used those events for his glory. Prepare in your mind your story and be ready to share and cause wonderment! Pray for those opportunities to share. Remember, Romans 10:14 “How are they to believe in him of whom the have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone telling them. And how can they share unless they are sent.”

Jesus – Here am I send me send me.  Send me to cause wonderment for your kingdom. Amen  - By Will Kiehl

Luke 2:15-16 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.                                                                        

Do you think the shepherds could have grasped this mystery of what God had set in motion?

Whatever they understood, they definitely understood the urgency!  The shepherds response to their heavenly message is just awesome.  They get up and run.  They fully believed that they will see this thing they have been told about.

When we see the shepherds here in Luke's gospel, may we remember to get up and run when we hear God's call, and respond rightly to the good news of salvation.  It is the only response that makes sense!  But it is possible to miss the invitation to come and see Jesus.  The shepherds teach us that responding rightly to a heavenly invitation means to respond right away.  We can't allow our fear or our to-do list, our shopping, baking or merrymaking to delay or distract us.  Don't miss Jesus by being 'great' at Christmas.  Instead, ask for the simple faith of these shepherds - look up, listen, and run.

Go! Tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

The shepherds didn't need to run all over Bethlehem.  They knew what they were looking for and they likely knew where to find him.  You see, the shepherds would not have missed the sign the angels told them about - a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  Bethlehem was only a few miles from Jerusalem.  Most of its sheep were destined for temple sacrifice and stayed out in the fields.  The shepherds brought the ewes into the stables or caves at night to give birth.  For those lambs to be fit for Passover sacrifice they had to be without a single blemish, so they were swaddled to keep from injuring themselves.  The sign of the swaddling cloths around a baby in a manger carried this clear powerful message: This baby, this Passover lamb, has come to take away the sin of the world.

The birth of Jesus contains plot twists and contrasts like no other.  The story is one no human could make up -  a King born in a barn, God in humble human flesh, the turning point of all of history first witnessed by a few lowly farm hands, a baby King that came to die for the life of the whole world.  This story leaves Santa in the dust.  Now, get up and run! - by Stacia Eversole

Luke 2: 8-14

The Shepherds and the Angels

 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,*

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

For just an instant the sky lit up with angels, yet who saw it?

The shepherds in the field that night were ready for lions, lost lambs, or maybe a late dinner - but encountering the glory of God was not on the list - but then, why would it be?  They weren't Torah experts, they were far from the temple, and they were doing a job that was the envy of absolutely no one.  The promised Messiah was likely very far from their minds.

Then, into that dark night, the glory of the Lord appeared and they were terrified. The scene must have been breathtaking.  Did they realize that this was God's cosmic plan unfolding right before their eyes?  Fear gave way to great joy - the long-awaited One had arrived and the heavens opened with singing and rejoicing angels. The waiting and the searching, the achings and the groanings centuries old were answered at last.

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

The first to hear this history-altering news were also the least likely.  Shepherds' witness to anything wasn't even admissible in a Roman court!  Yet these humble shepherds were chosen by God to be the world's first missionaries, to bear witness and be dignified by God to spread this joyous news of the in-breaking Kingdom.  Here again, as He loves to do, God is inverting the world's social order.

The angel tells these men, this is who He is!  Savior, Christ, Lord.  In these three titles the angel clearly announces Jesus' mission, Jesus' royalty, and Jesus' authority.

And, this is how you'll find Him - wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger

Is the angelic message still good news?  For everyone?   The fact that the shepherds were the very first to hear, tells us all that the kingdom of God isn't just for the insiders, but for the outsiders.

It is for the higher ups and the cast aside.  It is for the seekers, the knockers and the flagrant sinners.  It is for the proud and the humble, the elevated and the marginalized, the rich and the poor, the seeing and the blind.  It is good news for you and it is good news for me.  But who will be receptive? Those who know their need.  Those in darkness have seen a great light.  Hope has landed.  A Savior has come. He is Christ, the Lord.
- By Stacia Eversole

Luke 2: 6-7 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

In these two simple sentences Luke tells of the greatest miracle in all of human history.  This is the event that splits that history in two.  Everything that has ever happened on this planet falls into a category of before Jesus birth or after Jesus birth.  This is the miracle on which every other one rests.

The Creator of heaven and earth entered time and space.  God, who knows no boundaries (after all, the earth is His footstool) took on the shocking limits of a baby's skin.  Can we even imagine the risk?  God became flesh - flesh that had a belly button, flesh that got diaper rash, flesh that got cold, flesh that could be bruised, flesh that could bleed.  God entered our humanity fully and forever.  He emptied himself of glory and honor and angel choirs and dropped here, of all places - to be with us.  To lift us up to be like Him.  Because He loves us.

The God who commands angel armies, the God who changes times and seasons, the God who rules over nations and subdues kings emerged as a baby who could not speak or eat solid food or control his bladder, and depended on a teenager for everything.  The hands that made the moon and the stars were too small to point.  It is staggering.  

Luke lets us know that this Messiah will surprise you, that He will do the unexpected.  The humility, the utter condescension of the baby Jesus lying in a feed trough because Bethlehem had no room.  This Jesus turned the world rightside up.  This is the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, quietly confounding the wisdom of humanity.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!

The mystery is so astounding, so impossible to comprehend.  We cannot explain it.  This is the manger scene in Charles Wesley's words,

Our God contracted to a span;
Incomprehensibly made man.

Incomprehensible!  It is a wonder of grace.  Go tell the world about Him!  Amen!  
- By Stacia Eversole

THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS IN GOD’S PLANS

Luke 2:1-5 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

This section of scripture demonstrates to us how the prophesies of Samuel and Micah came to pass.  In 2 Samuel 7:16, God promised David, through the profit Samuel…“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever”.  Micah prophesied about 300 years after Samuel, that the the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem in Micah 5:2. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient of days.”  How could this be, since Joseph and Mary were in the town of Nazareth in Galilee, and Mary had already been told by Gabriel that she would be the virgin mother of the Messiah?  If Mary gave birth to Jesus anywhere else, then how could He be the Messiah?  The Jewish people had been waiting for the “hoped-for” Messiah, the “Son of David” for centuries, and He was going to come to them in a most unexpected way.  

Nothing is impossible with God!  Who would have expected that the despised Roman Empire would have any part in how these prophesies would be fulfilled?  We have another example of how God uses unlikely civil leaders in His plans.  Would Samuel and Micah have had any idea of the Roman Empire, when they made their prophesies?  Yet, here we have the leader of the Roman Empire calling for a “registration” of “all the world”.   By ordering this census, or registration, Joseph and Mary must travel to Bethlehem to be registered.  This decree also resulted in documenting the birth of Jesus, and established a historical context of His life on earth.

Joseph and Mary were obedient to the civil authorities, and traveled for this registration, despite Mary being very close to the time Jesus would be born.  There would undoubtedly be other members of Joseph’s extended family in Bethlehem, as this family was of the house and lineage of David.  When Caesar gave his proclamation that everyone “in the world”, the Roman Empire, he was ordering everyone to return to their home territory…which would unite them with other extended members of the “line of David”.  When you stop to consider how all of this happened to fulfill the prophesy of our Lord’s birth; it becomes clear that God’s ways are not our ways…and that “nothing is impossible for Him”!

Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we fail to remember that all things are possible with You, and that You often use the unlikeliest people or countries, rulers, and circumstances in Your plans.  Increase our trust in You, and help us see how You use a variety of individuals, events and circumstances to bring about Your Plan for our lives…and help us understand how You might be using us…for Your purpose today.  Amen  - By Tom Hoien

GIVING GLORY TO GOD

Luke 1:46-59 “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father”

In this section of scripture we see a beautiful statement, or song of praise and thanksgiving by Mary…of beautiful worship of the Lord.  This beautiful song of praise is commonly called the Magnificat that begins with “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,”.  She is clearly overjoyed in her praise of the Lord, and fully recognizes God’s blessing on her…having found favor with God and being chosen to be the mother of God’s only son!  

This is a wonderful example of feeling God’s blessing, despite the personal challenges she had to know she would be going through, when the news of this became public.  Yet she gives worship and praise to the Lord for being chosen to be the mother of the Messiah.  She is overly blessed that someone like her, from a lowly position would be chosen by the Lord.  She is clearly aware of the cultural history of God’s faithfulness to His people; praising and glorifying that the Lord is mighty and has done great things for Israel through His mercy.

There are significant similarities with Mary’s “Magnificat” and Hannah’s Prayer of Praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.  After having a son, named Samuel, Hannah brought him to Eli the priest, as a gift to the Lord.  Both of these women recognized the faithfulness of the Lord and praised him for his care and mercy for the lowly.  Both of these segments of scripture make me consider my need to recognize the blessings of God in my own life…and all that He has done for me…and for all of us.  

Mary recognizes that the Lord’s plans are quite different from the plans of the powerful people in her culture; which is clearly true in our culture today.   Mary realizes that His mercy is for those who “fear” (respect and honor) Him from generation to generation.  She speaks of the Lord’s ways bringing exaltation to those of humble estate, and bringing down the proud and the powerful…which is certainly the opposite of the thinking of our current culture.  

Her song worships and glorifies the Savior who wants all to be saved, and loves everyone and all creation.  He wants to change our focus from what the culture of our time is telling us is important…to understanding that He loves us and wants us to humble ourselves and recognize the many blessings He provides.  As we move closer to December 25th this year, may we also joyfully remember the promise of our salvation…and may we join in celebrating, with thanksgiving in our hearts, the precious gift of Jesus.

Lord, forgive us when we fail to remember your wonderful blessings to us, and neglect to come to you in thankful worship for who You are, and all you have done for us.  May our soul magnify the Lord, and our spirit rejoice in God, our Savior.  Amen. - By Tom Hoien

SHARING THE JOY AND THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S GREATEST GIFT!

Luke 1:39-45 “ In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

I pray that all of you remember receiving that one “special gift”, or maybe you even felt like you received many “special gifts” in your life.  Think back to that one very special gift…and can you remember how excited you were…and the joy you felt when you received it?  When I think about the “special gifts” I’ve received in my life; I also remember how excited and joyful I was about them.  Do you remember how you felt about those gifts in your life?  I couldn’t wait to share the good news about the gift with my friends and family…the community surrounding my life.  

However, as I read and re-read the occasion recorded by Luke, in his gospel, the “special gifts” I remembered as a child…were nothing…compared to the gift of the promise fulfilled by the Holy Spirit though the virgin Mary.  What a joyful gift she received, and what did she do?  She went with haste to see Zechariah and Elizabeth…to share the good news and great joy of this Gift of promises fulfilled.  Mary must of had reservations about all that had happened to her; as well as the news Gabriel had told her about Elizabeth having a child in her “old age”.

Nothing is impossible with God!  Mary had already been made aware of this by the visit she received, and when Elizabeth’s baby leaped in the womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting.  This shared additional insight to the promises being fulfilled.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she declared to Mary “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”  Clearly both Elizabeth and Mary were joyful despite their unusual circumstances.  The Holy Spirit had worked miraculously in both of them, and they were filled with the Joy of the Lord, as they met and shared their “special gifts”.  They were overflowing with the Joy of the Lord, as the Holy Spirit worked in and through them.

I am so thankful for this description of Mary and Elizabeth’s joy, however it makes me realize that the “special gifts” I recall as a youngster pale in comparison to the “gift” Mary and Elizabeth received from the Holy Spirit.  It makes me realize that I have not fully appreciated the “gift of the Holy Spirit” in my life.  I have “head knowledge” of this gift…but I don’t know that I fully appreciated the “Joy” of the gift of Jesus in my life and the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit.  

I pray: Lord forgive me for not fully appreciating the most important gift I have ever received.  May you, through your Holy Spirit continue to convict me that the “GREATEST GIFT” I have ever received is that you are my Lord, my Redeemer and my Savior.  Thank You for this amazing GIFT, Lord.  Amen. - By Tom Hoien

Scripture - Luke 1:34-38 “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Observation - Several things stand out to me in this reading.  1) Mary questioned the angel of the Lord “How will this be…”. 2) God has a plan as the angel conveys in verse 35. 3) God provides us comfort through his people and other believers (v36). 4) Mary submits to the Lord’s will (v37). 5) My final observation came when I read in a commentary that “Mary” in Hebrew is “Miriam”. Miriam was also the name of the sister of Moses and Aaron.  Right after Miriam dies (Number 20:1) while in the desert, we learn that “now there was no water for the congregation” (Numbers 20:2).  This alludes to Miriam somehow being the source through which God brought water to the Isarealites in the desert.  Is it a coincidence that hundreds of years later another “Miriam” or Mary is the vessel that God uses to bring forth the living water, Jesus?

Application - Going back to my observations above: 1) Is it okay to question God? If Mary, who is the vessel by whom Jesus is brought into the world can question Him, it must be okay for us to do so too.   2) God ALWAYS has a plan for our lives.  Does he always reveal all of the details to us when we ask? No!  Mary had to be wondering, what does it mean that “the Holy Spirit will come upon you” or “the Most High will overshadow you”? Even though God through the angel did not reveal the step-by-step plan to Mary, He reveals enough for her to believe he has a plan.  I believe he does the same for us when we stop and listen (i.e. take time to read His word and go to Him in prayer). 3) I find this really neat and comforting!  God let Mary know not only that He was with her, but there was another person, Elizabeth, who she could turn to that understood or was at least part of His plan.  I believe that God still does that for us.  We need family and friends in our lives that are walking with God who can walk beside us in our mountains and valleys to bring us comfort and to help us see His plan even when we are struggling to do so. 4) Just like Mary, how can I submit to God’s plan?  Mary was obedient to God in bringing God’s son to earth.  This Advent season how can I be obedient to God’s command (“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19) in spreading the good news of Jesus to those around me?  5) Finally, I can surrender to God’s will, like Mary did, by sharing the living water with others.  John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  In a Lenten Devotional from Concordia Irvine, Dr. Kurt Krueger wrote “Once our spiritual thirst is quenched – or is constantly being quenched – we are empowered to share “streams of living water” through our witness to God’s love and point others to Jesus, the One who restores and refreshes and gives eternal life to all people.”  

Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for using an ordinary young woman like Mary to bring your son, Jesus, to earth.  Like Mary, help me to humble myself to seek your plans for my life and to be the vessel of sharing the great news of Jesus to the world, starting with my friends, neighbors, and family. Thank you for having a plan for my life, revealing to me what I need to know, when I need to know it, to carry out your plans.  Thank you also for friends and family who walk with you and remind me of your reassurances and sacrifice when I need to hear them.  Finally, help those around me see “rivers of living water” flowing out of my heart as I submit to you this Advent season and always.  Amen. - By Tammy Wiese

Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

God knows we have fears!  Why else would he have his angel repeatedly say “fear not” or “do not be afraid”.  He knows and wants to calm our fears! In yesterday’s reading (Luke 1:29), we learn that Mary was “troubled” when the angel greeted her as “O favored one”.  So what is this trouble and fear about?  

Mary is a young woman (likely a teenager) in a small village.  Women did not have a place of position in this society.  So why would the God of all creation bring a message via an angel to Mary?  On first reading you would think that when the angel speaks that “God will give him the throne of his father David”, and “he will reign…forever” that Mary would be excited, but knowing how the current Roman government operated this may have been of little comfort to young Mary.

How about the news “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son”?  There has to be excitement for Mary hearing that she is going to conceive and deliver God’s son but angst being unwed and “just” a girl from the small town of Nazareth. I can imagine the mixed emotions going through her.  I can imagine the immense excitement Mary felt knowing that she was with child and not only any child but God’s child, but also the fear and reservation she felt as she faced Joseph, her betrothed, her parents, and her community as an unwed mother.

I am not sure if this is a coincidence or a God thing (okay, I believe there are very few coincidences).  A week ago we had a water leak in our storage room.  I had cards, letters, scrapbooks, etc that were precious to me stored in a box in that room.  I quickly pulled the box out from the “flood” and emptied the contents out to dry.  This week as I was wrestling with today’s scripture and cleaning up from the water leak, I came across 2 things that I had long forgotten.  The first was a journal.  It had just 1 entry.  In the entry I describe in detail the excitement that I felt when I discovered that I was pregnant for the first time.  We had been trying for a baby for a couple of years.  We were married, had stable jobs, a house, and we were ready! The entry goes on to tell how I told my husband, parents, and even our grandparents and the joy that we all felt.  This is how it should be, right?  I mentioned that there was only 1 entry in this journal, that was because I lost that baby early in my pregnancy and the one after that.  

The second thing I found in the box was a pregnancy diary.  The diary had a place to write a couple quick notes each day of the pregnancy and then it gives some little tips or tidbits each day that you can read.  As I began flipping through this journal, I noticed that day after day, and week after week for the first 3 months, I wrote nothing but the date.  Then after 3 months there is a note that we finally shared the news with our friends and family.  The excitement of this pregnancy was muted by the fear of our previous losses.  Just like I imagine with Mary, I had many mixed emotions. Yes there were many days of hope and excitement in the first 3 months but nothing compared to the excitement of that first pregnancy (until the birth of my daughters). This pregnancy was a daily reliance on God and remembering “do not be afraid”.

Just like God through the angel told Mary “do not be afraid” he also tells us this.  He sent His son to reign forever including overcoming the grave so that we can live without fear and with the hope of the resurrection.  Just as Mary accepted the gift of God using her to bring Jesus into the world, let us all accept the gift of peace and comfort that God offers us through His son Jesus.
-By Tammy Wiese

Luke 1:26-29 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”

Mary is told that “the Lord is with you!” And that she is “favored”. What is her response?  “She was  greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”    Has anyone ever brought you good news, told you that you have won a prize, or congratulated or thanked you for something and your response has been “why did you pick me” or “what did I do to deserve these words of praise”?  Has the feeling of it being too good to be true ever overshadowed your ability to receive a gift for what it is?

A GIFT!  

That is how I imagine Mary felt at that moment.  

I am also thinking that if it was me, I would be very scared and confused.  At the point the angel Gabriel came to Mary it had been approximately 400 years since the last prophet.  If I  tried to put myself in her place and an angel came to me today, would I believe it? I have read both the old and new testament and very much believe it is the Word of God, I also very much believe that God is able to speak to us through his Word then, now, and forever; BUT would I really believe God would send an angel to me?  After 2000 years of no reported angels or prophets? Would I believe it on my own, probably not.  Mary also likely knew the old testament and had heard God’s word, but would she believe God would send her an angel?

As we will see in the next two day’s readings God doesn’t leave it to Mary to comprehend this for herself.  As He often does He provides her with discernment and spiritual understanding to see the GIFT He is giving to her and also to see that being “O favored one” is not something that she can do but only that God can do through her! God didn’t bless Mary because she was worthy or perfect but because HE is gracious.

I am thankful that Mary received God’s gift and did it with a submissive heart.  

May God give us all the discernment to see God’s gift of grace and forgiveness through Jesus this Advent and for us to submit to His plans for us as Mary did. - By Tammy Wiese

Luke 1:18-19, 24-25 “And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Even though Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer had been answered they were in disbelief. Is their story a beacon of light to show that through God anything is possible? Always remain faithful and committed to his plan.

Zechariah said “For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years”. This shows that we must not rely on our own understanding but to remain trusting and committed to the Lord. He had Gabriel to bring this good news. Even when they could not believe that they were truly being blessed the Lord sent assurance to them. John was to become the one to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” I know that it is hard enough to raise a child and help them walk in the faith. I cannot imagine the pressure Zechariah and Elizabeth must have felt being brought the good news by Gabriel. Elizabeth having kept herself in hiding to understand and process the fact that her prayers were truly answered.

This also goes deeper when referencing “to take away my reproach among people”. Elizabeth being barren for so many years, may have felt inadequate or judged. She may have felt criticized by others because during that time when you were not blessed with children it was because something was wrong with you or God was displeased with you for something you have done. Whereas we know now that God was using their story of struggle and dedication through their advanced age. He gives us assurance through their struggles and their story that everything has a plan and a timing for when it should happen.

Thank you Lord, for giving us the example of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Teaching us and showing us how their faithfulness was rewarded even when they thought it would be impossible. Please help us to remain faithful and steadfast to you in times of joy and times of weakness. In your name we pray. Amen - By Regina Werdehausen