Good News

Dear Friends,

One of the distinctives of the Christmas stories is that God’s Holy Spirit and His angels are very active. This is a sign that God is going to do something new and very remarkable.

Zechariah is visited by an angel and because of his unbelief, is struck dumb. Mary is visited by an angel and told that she will be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. When Mary visits Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth’s womb jumps when Mary greets her because Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we have Simeon who prophesies about Jesus and has the Holy Spirit on him and directing him. Our story today speaks of Zechariah being filled with the Holy Spirit and his prophesies.

In Luke 1:68-69 there are three verbs which speak of what God is doing. He has come to His people and has redeemed them. This means he has rescued them from sin and judgement and has raised up a horn of salvation. This term refers to Jesus and indicates that he has the power to effect salvation. This child, as prophesied, is from the house of David and His purpose is to bring salvation which is focused on the forgiveness of sins.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you will find the joy and hope that only the Christ child can bring. Jesus is the source of joy. In Luke 2:10 we are informed that the news about Jesus is good news and this good news will cause great joy. Joy arises because our sins are forgiven by God. How wonderful!

God’s blessing David O’Mara

From the AM Pastor’s Bulletin, 19 December 2021