Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Touching Wonder" in this Sunday service.
Touching Wonder Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, December 6, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
The Wonder of Christmas
Luke 11:33 Message “If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don't get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room."
Luke 1--Zachariah, Elizabeth and John the Baptist
Zachariah:
- A member of the priestly order-trained in the ways and service of the Lord and the temple—successful, but something missing
- Did his best to live for God, but what he wanted most had been denied to him
- Where he was supposed to be when he was supposed to be there (on duty with his priestly order—once in his lifetime opportunity to enter the holy of holies)
- Loved his wife, but lived in a culture that counted the ability to have a male heir as a definition of being a man.
- Disappointment, maybe even disillusioned
- Ridicule and lessened authority
- “Too late now” for dreams
Elizabeth:
- Descendant of Aaron—Jewish “royal family”
- Unable to conceive (Luke 1:25 keep people from looking down on me: When a married woman could not have children, it was thought that the Lord was punishing her.)
- Kept her innocence, even after years of disappointment—(evidence: she readily received Zachariah’s advances)
The story of Christmas touches every realm of life, from the rich to the poor (wise men and shepherds), from the esteemed to the despised (Jerusalem-the seat of power and fame to Bethlehem-a little shepherd’s town), from the outcast to the superstar (a pregnant teenager to the ruler of a country). From the start of the story with Zachariah, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, to its culmination with the recognition of Jesus, the baby, as the Messiah in the temple, the story unveils God’s plan for touching His people. It is a story that does not end, and a story that will empower our lives for greatness if we will simply allow the Holy Spirit to restore the awe and wonder it inspires.
That is what we learn from Zachariah and Elizabeth. The culture of our world, the nature of a broken world, works to dull us, to close our eyes to greatness and wonder, and to be lulled into a dutiful religious experience rather than an awe-filled wonderful relationship with a God who won’t stop loving us.
Keys to wonder:
- Child-like-ness
- Expectation—“Can I have…”
- Trust—“Catch me daddy”
- Vulnerability—“Help me, I’m not big enough.”
- Belief—“You said…”
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
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