"Advent: Fullness of Time"

Luke 1:5-7, 21-25
"In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years."

"Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

Notes taken from Isaac Hunter's sermon...

*"They (Mary and Elizabeth) didn't know what their tomorrows would bring or how the story would end. What defined this era was the actions of God. It is the same with our era."
*"God really can't be known as all you need unless all you have is Him to hold onto."
*"We expect immediate feedback. Trust God in the outcome. Their hope was anchored in God. Motivation should not be a circumstantial reward. Be faithful in the middle of the story. We can trust God with faithfulness. Giving up cannot be an option."
*"Notice there is never a serene reaction to seeing an angel."
*"It is harder to be faithful when the prayer is answered than during the waiting/praying for it to be answered."
*"Silence always follows doubt. Everytime you choose to trust, you choose to participate in it."
*"Recognize that God is at work, even in the middle of the story."

Isaiah 40:1, 3, 9-11
"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."