CERRO
GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
December
5, 2021
GRANT US PEACE
Luke 1:68-79
As we see in
the words of Zechariah, something major is about to happen. Zechariah came to
understand God is about to begin changing the way, so that not only the Jewish
people, but ultimately everyone, will see God in a new way. Zechariah had been
told his son will set the stage for what God is going to do. However, it will
not happen in a day or a month, not even a year. God will have things happen, as
always, in his timing. We see God is fulfilling what he promised his people
through the prophets long ago. Through Zechariah he is refreshing everyone’s
memories by saying, “I told you this day was coming.” We are less than 3 weeks
from Christmas. The things the Holy Spirit promised through the words of
Zechariah are still what God’s people hold onto today. Christmas is a time to
be reminded of God’s love and mercy for all of his people. As we count down the
days until Christmas, it in some ways is like what Zechariah was doing when he
received those words of hope and promise all those years ago. He faithfully
waited for what had been told to him through the Holy Spirit to come to pass. I
believe the peace that Zechariah and the peace mentioned in other places in
scripture is often misunderstood. We want to believe God is promising an
earthly peace where there will be no family conflicts, no social problems that
have bad results. A belief the nations of the world will live in perfect
harmony. That is not what God promises. Jesus in John 14:27 says, “Peace I
leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus is reminding everyone
who will listen the peace God gives does not mean or promise everything will
always be in perfect harmony. However, in all of life’s ups and downs, I will
give my peace that only God’s people can fully receive.
Christmas
reminds us of God’s perfect love. Jesus came into the world because God wants
everyone to have a chance of salvation without conditions. I guess there is one
major condition and that is that we realize we are sinners and Jesus came to
build a bridge between God and man. Everyone must cross that one bridge to get
to the salvation that is waiting for us on the other side. There is nothing
wrong with us getting excited about Christmas no matter how young or how old we
are. The fact that all of the promise started with a baby in a manger adds to
the amazing beauty of God’s love. May the story of Christmas never grow old in
our hearts. As that day gets closer and closer, may we allow God to cut through
the potential hustle and bustle to reflect anew on God’s goodness, love, and
mercy. This 2nd Sunday of Advent is about allowing God’s peace to be
part of, not just the Christmas season, but part of every day of our lives. May
God show us how to trust him more and more to the point the peace Zechariah was
talking about and the peace Jesus promised can be ours. Not only in the good
times but the difficult times as well. May the miracle of God’s love, mercy,
grace and peace be more and more a part of our lives. May we be examples of all
those characteristics of God to Cerro Gordo and beyond. We are never too old to
receive the wonder of the Christmas season. Soak all of it in you can. May our
prayer truly be “Lord grant us peace” as we celebrate Christmas this year with
friends and family. It is the most wonderful time of year.
Pastor Larry
Announcements:
Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday—studying Hebrews
Today—please pick up a few Angels if you haven’t already.
Hard copies of the December newsletter are available
in the back.
4:00 Christmas Vespers at the Cerro Gordo UMC.
December 8 12:00 Women’s Fellowship Potluck luncheon
Last initial A-J main dish; K-N salad; O-Z dessert;
drinks and table service will be provided. We’ll reveal prayer partners and
draw for 2022. All women are invited to attend.
December 8 Board Meeting 6:15 Exec. Comm.; 7:00 commissions;
7:30 board; reorganization follows. “Old” and “New” members, please come.
December 22 7:00 Christmas Service here
Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank
you!
Donation Box: The Lord’s Storehouse
First Sundays: food donations for food banks
Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362
To
keep up on Church of the Brethren news:
Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign
up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.
District:
iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook
Our
pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, &
calendar) and on facebook
Keep
in Your Prayers
Lee Legg and family;
Dan & Val Rokosch; Shirley Krall; Baby Gemma; Baby Tate; Maralyn &
Galen Heckman; Bryce Ashenfelter; Andy Flenner and family; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene
Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece);
Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike
and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Owen Wright; Anna Gentry
Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose
Larrick; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland;
Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests;
Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the
780,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus;
the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters;
victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian
Brethren
Military and Other
Services and their families
Brethren Volunteer
Service workers; Disaster project workers
Church
of the Brethren vision statement:
Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately
live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ
through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will
develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative,
adaptable, and fearless.
Our
Mission Statement:
Love
God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.
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