December 9, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 9th: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6; Theme: Second Sunday of Advent Luke: We begin with the theme of the world turned upside down. God is known for turning the tables in life. When it happens in the life of those who are faithful, they celebrate. This is the song of Zechariah. Zechariah had been trying to have a child. In their old age, he and his wife are blessed. Zechariah is not able to speak until the baby is born. When his son John, this is his celebration. Zechariah celebrates three things in this blessing: God remains faithful to God’s promises, God’s way is the way to salvation and God is a God of peace. All three of these statements are the message of Advent. But before God can do God’s work, God has to change the powers that be. Malachi: This passage is the inspiration for Handel’s message that no one can stand before the Lord and that the Lord shall purify and forgive the faithful so that they can stand during the Day of the Lord. It continues many of the advent themes: that there is a time of tribulation, but the faithful will endure. God wants us to return from the sin of the world and life with Him as our center. As we move closer to advent, we are getting closer to the beginning of the Christian story – the birth of Christ. But this message is that before we can get that close to God we need to take a look at our lives, and to repent from our worldly ways and live a life faithful to a God who is faithful to us. Questions: When has God turned the tables for you and your life? How have you celebrated God’s blessings in your life? When was the last time you have asked for God’s forgiveness? How are you spiritually preparing for Christmas?