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Some of my deepest moments of peace have followed some of my deepest heartaches. They come to us almost unexpectedly, after pouring our hearts out in grief over the loss of a loved one or close friend; after a painful argument, or maybe even an angry outburst we must apologize for. Sometimes it catches us by surprise in the middle of the stress and anxiety building, or in the midst of a deep depression. And even there, in our deepest strife, we can find peace.
There has been a heaviness growing. Have you felt it? Have you seen it, or maybe heard it in the voice of a friend? The stress builds, the anxiety is on the rise, depression creeps in, and grief overcomes. The nights grow longer and the daylight is concealed by the clouds. We carry our grief, our fears, and our doubts with us as exhaustion sets in. Yet even with all that swirls in our hearts and our minds, Jesus comes to us that we might find peace.
In the Christmas story we find a couple that knew the burden well. Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright and righteous, but they had no children. I’m sure like many couples they had longed for and prayed for a child of their own, but instead of answered prayers they only found silence. They likely endured years of unanswered prayers, heartache, and ridicule. By now they likely had long given up their hopes and dreams for a child of their own. But they didn’t allow their circumstances to dictate their faith.
Then one day, Zechariah received an answer to his prayer. Zechariah was chosen to burn incense in the temple of the Lord. While he was there, an angel appeared to him and Zechariah was gripped with fear. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13). The angel goes on to explain how they will have a son, one who will bring many people back to the Lord. He will come in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah, the one they were waiting for. The Lord wasn’t just answering the prayers of a childless couple, he had heard the prayers of the people; he was coming to answer the prayers of all who longed for hope, all who were searching for peace. The Lord comes to them saying: “Fear not, God hears you.”
John the Baptist came calling many to repentance. He pointed the hearts of the people back to the Lord their God. Sometimes that road to peace brings us through an unexpected path of repentance, grief and heartache. But regardless of our circumstance we hold on to hope in the God who hears us. So no matter what you are facing today, I offer the same encouragement given to Zechariah, Fear not, God hears you. God knows your heart. God knows your struggle and your pain. God hears your prayer. And though we may not always find the answers we hope for, we know our prayers are heard and received in love. Fear not, God hears you.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gordon
PS. Christmas Eve is only a week away! Join us for a candlelight service of lessons and carols, Thursday, 5pm at Eagle View Elementary School. The service will also be availabl online, on Facebook Live at 5pm and Youtube after 6 pm. Unable to join us Thursday but still want to experience the candlelight service? Pastor Melissa will be hosting and recording one this Sunday night at 5pm at Castle Rock United Methodist Church (27890 Delft Ave, Castle Rock). Space is limited so Contact Pastor Melissa if you are intersted in participating.
Plus, don't forget to join us for worship: Register for worship here!
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