He’s Almost Here
As Jesus People, we carry Christmas in us. We don’t have to look far to find The Way in a Manger. Jesus — the Way, the Truth and the Life — has found a home in us. We are His Christmas people who seek Him like shepherds and wise men chasing a moving, navigational star.
We are the God chasers.
I find these Christmas people among my church family at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, a little country church whose steeple shines like a sentinel a mile from my home.
We carry Christmas in us. Because we carry Christ in us.
On Sunday night, we told the life-altering,
soul-changing,
history-making,
groundbreaking story
of Christ’s birth through pictures.
Over the last several weeks, we have photographed members of our church — from ages 3 to 80 — so we could tell the story of Christ’s birth as a family.
Will you join me the next few days as we follow the story of Christmas as told in Luke 1-2? Through these pictures, we will explore the birth story of Jesus. (And I’ll have the privilege of introducing you to a few of the God-Chasers in my life!)
O Come Let Us Adore Him …
***
(All Scriptures are shortened and taken from Luke 1, in the Message):
“During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there lived a priest and his name was Zachariah. His wife was Elizabeth. They lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old.”
posing as Elizabeth and Zachariah)
The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed with fear. But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. … “
a part played by our dear friend Michelle, a stay-at-home mom and my next-door neighbor.)
Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary. When he came out and couldn’t speak, they knew he had seen a vision. He continued speechless and had to use sign language with the people.
You’ll meet them face-to-face later this week.)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from the line of David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
(Excuse the airplane contrails in the background.
I’m certain they weren’t flying over Bethlehem (nor was Jesus’ mother a blonde). -smile-)
Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her, “Good morning!” …
Mary was thoroughly shaken… But the angel assured her,
“Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you.
You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is?
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.
Mary said to the angel, “But how?” and the angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.”
And Mary said, “Yes, I see it all now. I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve,
Let it be with me just as you say.”
When Elizabeth bore a son, her neighbors and relatives, seeing that God had overwhelmed her with mercy, celebrated with her.
They were calling the baby Zachariah, after his father.
But his mother intervened. “No. He is to be called John.”
“But,” they said, “no one in your family is named that.”
They used sign language to ask Zachariah what he wanted the baby named.
That took everyone by surprise. … The child grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel.
Stay Tuned. The Good News is coming.
And together, we wait …
Each Wednesday, I join Ann Voskamp as we explore spiritual practices that draw us closer to God. Today, we explore “Christmas Coming.”
Would you consider joining us?
A fun, parting outake. What might Bethlehem have looked like
if there were cell phones?
Greatest story ever told and I won't get tired hearing about it. Nicer with the pictures from your church members. Even more awesome!
If they had cellphones then? Wow! Can't imagine! It would have been the "text capital" during those times 🙂
Blessings to you sister! Thank you for this and will be "waiting" with anticipation 🙂 I am trying to learn to "wait". You know that…
How neat
So cool w/ the pictures. I love that God made Zachariah quiet (mute). 😀 I think God has a sense of humor more than we realize sometimes.
I also smile every time I read about Elizabeth and Mary together and the babies jumping in their tummies!
The Bible is so rich with story!
Merry Christmas, Jennifer!
~ Wendy
Thank you, friends. I love hearing what part of this piece of the story triggers something within you.
Do share!
So often, our Christmas pageants feature the Holy Family and a band of shepherds, but what of Zachariah and Elizabeth?
Prepare ye the Way ….
Thanks so much for sharing this story. It is really nice seeing pictures of people from your church playing the parts. I can't wait to see the next part.
I pray you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Oh, I'm absolutely LOVING IT! What a wonderful way to share the Christmas story with us. You tickle me and inspire me all at the same time!
Blessings friend!
Kay
Oh this is awesome!!! I have a special place in my heart for Elizabeth. 😉
Thanks for sharing…..can't wait to see more.
Awesome!
I loved your captions too. The one about the airplane contrails and Mary being blond made me laugh out loud!
May God bless your church family in a mighty way for your efforts to get the greatest story ever told out to others.
Merry Christmas!
This is awesome way to tell a story that never fails to excite.
Looking forward to the next chapter!!
Awesome story, love to hear it over and over!Can't wait for the next scene!The pictures are great, what a way to include the whole church!)
I know I'd be looking for my cell phone about then.
And to think, John came not only to fulfill the prophecy, but as an answer to Zechariah's prayer. I wonder, had he forgotten that he'd even prayed that before they'd become "quite old?" Clearly God had not . . .
Love the pictures, love the words. Keep telling this story.
How did you get outside shots with no snow?
My favorite Christmas plays are like this. Thank you & Merry Christmas to you all.
Thank you for this and will be "waiting" with anticipation
Work from home India
I love this!