Current Series: Christmas Prayers
We want to welcome you to our upcoming Christmas series entitled “Christmas Prayer” Here is a look into weekly sermon topics and the direction we are taking our series. Stay tuned on the following Monday of each sermon for the audio download, just in case you missed it.
December 5&6 – Prayer of Mary (Luke 1:46ff) Hope for the Humble
Big Idea: Mary’s prayer reflects the “great reversal” of the kingdom: the humble being exalted.
- Mary believes though she is an unlikely candidate.
- She is young and a woman yet in short order she accepts whatever God has for her.
- “Who am I” is her humble reflection
- Not so much what Mary does as what is done to her to bring salvation
Take home: Your so-called small life becomes huge when attached to God.
December 12 & 13 – Prayer of Zechariah (Luke 1:67ff) Hesitant Hope
Big Idea: Zechariah’s prayer rejoices in the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
- As a priest Zech should have expected something like this! He knew the prophecies and the promises and yet he is hesitant to believe!
- Zech’s doubt is reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah’s doubt about having Isaac.
- Where in your life are you hesitant to hope? Do you believe your financial situation can ever be better? Your marriage? Your health?
- Why are we so hesitant to believe what we know to be true about God and His faithfulness.
- God “shut-up” Zech for 9 mos to contemplate His promises to Israel!
Take home: Even the smallest thread of hope is powerful when attached to God’s promises.
December 19 & 20 – Prayer of the Angels (Luke 2:14) Heaven’s Hope
Big Idea: The path to true peace on earth comes through a life dedicated to God’s glory.
- The angels give as a view from heaven.
- The close connection between heaven and earth is revealed in their brief prayer of praise.
- Our desperate search for peace on earth is bound by what we have at our disposal rather than the rich resources of heaven!
- The angels exist to give glory to God…what does a lifelong pursuit of God’s glory look like for us?
Take home: Let’s learn to live all of life with a view toward heaven.
December 24 – Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) Holding on to Hope – Christmas Eve
Big Idea: Simeon’s prayer reveals a lifetime of patient expectation of God’s salvation.
- Simeon (and Anna) never let go of the belief that the Messiah is coming. Though so many in Israel had twisted the promises to mean something they never meant, these two faithful people waited patiently in the wings for the real thing.
- Both Simeon and Anna are on the fringe. While everyone one else seemed to miss the coming of Christ these to represent the faithful remnant in Israel.
- Though minor players in the grand scheme of salvation history they herald the coming of Christ in a way that none of the religious leaders did.
- Reminiscent of Hannah’s prayer and patient waiting for a son!
- Simeon holds hope in his hands and his life is complete.
Take Home: How much of the hope God promises is enough for you?
