Scripture: Luke 1:77
You will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins.
Thought for the Day: In Zechariah’s prophecy (after the birth of his son, John), he puts forth John’s mission and purpose – all contained within this single verse. Two word stand out: saved and forgiveness. It is interesting how both of them have rich meanings – both describing liberation and deliverance. The way the above verse is translated, it does not sound as if there is much movement. Or if there is movement, it is the sin being taken away. Yet the verse could be understood as God lifting the person out of the sinful world. This is not referring to one’s death and journey to heaven. The rescuing is God removing us from an unhealthy situation so that we cannot only be healthy, but that we can be set apart for a task that requires us to be healthy. John will preach a message of repentance, but this turn around in life is not simply to remove one from the life of sin. It has a great purpose, the invitation to enter a life with Christ for the work of Christ’s mission.
Prayer: Be about the work of change, Merciful God. Save me; rescue me; deliver me. I desire to become a healthier person so that I can better serve you and the world around me. Amen.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
5:00pm — Family Service
7:30pm — Candlelight Service
