We often lament the lack of positive stories in the media. The news commonly vacillates between the poles of depressing and trivial: international strife, economic tensions, and celebrity marriage woes. This steady drone purrs in the background of our lives while we go to work, pay bills, and care for our loved ones.
So it is no wonder that Christmas continues to be so popular. We can use a little tinsel on our trees, some lights to brighten our darkness. Our hearts yearn for some Christmas cheer. Yet beneath all of the traditions of Christmas that permeate our lives this time of year is the Good News that Jesus was the “word made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:12) bringing God’s kingdom to earth.
There is an old-fashioned word for news, called “tidings”. We hardly use the word anymore, but it was used in the King James translation for the Gospel of Luke, describing the news that the angel Gabriel delivered. “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings”. (Luke 1:19, King James Version). We don’t use the word often anymore, but it endures in the Christmas song “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, with “tidings of comfort and joy”.
When we consider those who the angel Gabriel first visited, we find everyday people like ourselves, people with hopes and aspirations, struggles and pains. Mary is engaged to Joseph, preparing for their future together. Elizabeth and Zechariah are of old age but pray they’d have a child. God disrupts the direction of their lives when the angel Gabriel brings God’s good tidings.
Christmas tidings are preceded by the season of Advent, where we prepare our hearts to receive this Good News through a time of intentional reflection and preparation for the advent (arrival) of Jesus and his birth.
Our Wednesday Midweek Grace worship will focus on the what God did in preparation for Christ’s birth, communicating through the Angel Gabriel and uniting the mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist. We will worship using the Holden Evening Prayer worship service.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Births foretold in the Gospel of Luke:
Wed. Dec. 5th – Angel Gabriel brings tidings to Zechariah – Luke 1:1-25
Wed Dec. 12th – Angel Gabriel brings tidings to Mary – Luke 1:26-38
Wed. Dec. 19th – Mary brings tidings to Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-56
In Sunday worship in December we will follow additional passages from Gospel of Luke, focusing on the figures of John the Baptist and Mary. On Sunday December 9th at the 11:00am service we will feature our annual cantata, which will be a festival of lessons and carols.
Originating in a manger in Bethlehem, the good tidings of Christmas are extended to you. May the comfort and joy of the Christ-child find your heart this Christmas.
In His Service,
Pastor Jason Talsness
Posted December 3, 2012 by Amazing Grace Lutheran Church | Pastors Corner | Permalink |
