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By Faith

By Vicar Lisa

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. 

—Hebrews 12:1-2

The title in my Bible for Hebrews 11 is entitled “By Faith”. This chapter provides exhortations of Biblical Old Testament heroes of the faith. These were people who were able to see living possibilities where others only saw dead ends, who saw victory where others saw defeat, and who saw what God could do when others saw the impossible. They not only saw with eyes of faith, but they also acted on that faith.

Each person mentioned understood faith as a verb.  It is too easy to think of faith as something more passive, as a belief, rather than as a spiritual muscle that allows us to act. Faith helped these heroes persevere amid difficult circumstances.  Think of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, and Moses.  led by God, they were able to step out into the unknown with courage and take risks. 

As we look forward to a new year and the journey of life ahead of us, we too must step out into the unknown. We can approach a new year and all the changes that will entail because we have the examples of those who have lived by faith.  These spiritual ancestors in Jesus’ extended family can show us the way and encourage us through their stories.  And, even more so, we can look forward to the One who looks encouragingly back at us, the One who came to die so that we could live with him forever.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

—Ephesians 3:16-19

Announcements:

Sunday, Jan. 1, the First Sunday of Christmas

10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion
Please join us, either in person OR via ZOOM ('hybrid' worship). If you will worship via Zoom, log on or call in using these links: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81535174862?pwd=MnVLL3FSZGJWdGsxRmhBUWhBWFRHZz09, Meeting ID: 815 3517 4862, Passcode: 155280 or dial +1 719 359 4580 US. 

Announcements:

Celebration with Pastor Kate!  Jan. 1 is Pastor Kate's last Sunday as our intentional interim pastor, we will have a special worship service and farewell party potluck honoring her wonderful service to our congregation. Please plan to join us.  

Also, Dick brought to our attention that Kirsten and Clayton Nelson reached out to say hello and that they miss us dearly!

Save the Date: Feb. 5 is Zion's Annual Meeting, watch your email, E-formation, bulletins, and newsletters, for updates and information.

The Flower Chart has been replaced by the Flower Book, located in the back of the sanctuary. Now is the time to sign up for Sundays in 2023, many dates fill quickly so volunteer now. Sign up and use the envelopes in the book for your flower donation, which can be placed in the offering plate.

 

E-formation

During medieval times, Christmas was celebrated for twelve days, culminating at Epiphany, the thirteenth day. The first Sunday within these twelve days focuses on the biblical stories about Jesus’ childhood: God’s protection of the infant Jesus, the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, and the boy Jesus conversing with the temple authorities.

Isaiah 63:7-9

The third part of Isaiah records poetry from the fifth century before Christ, rejoicing that the exiles have returned to Jerusalem. In this short section, God is praised for saving people. God has carried the people home as if they were young and beloved children.

Numbers 6:22-27

This passage includes the Priestly Blessing, one we often use as a sending blessing:  “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Luke 2:15-21

Only the Gospel of Luke, written about 85 or 90 ce, includes the beloved infancy narrative with the census, the journey to Bethlehem, the pregnant Mary, the manger, the angels’ song, and the shepherds. Luke wrote for a Greco-Roman audience, and his narrative is similar to other cultural stories of extraordinary births. Yet Luke weaves into the narrative of Jesus’ Christological titles and stresses the obedience of Joseph and Mary to imperial decrees. Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord, but not a revolutionary.

 

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Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785