Season of Joy
Last Updated 12.01.2008
For Sunday 12/7 – Season of Joy – CTT for worship & LIFE planning teams
Background reading for planning teams Luke 1-2 with possible reading from Matthew 1-2.
Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Shepherds, angels, and simple folk are all are caught up in the wonder and joy of God’s coming. Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the coming of Jesus brought a season of joy to good people living hard lives in a hard time. In tough times like we face, we need that season of joy. But we must know, we will find it only by finding Jesus and recognizing Him as God’s gift to us of incredible joy. Stuff won’t fill it. Things won’t fix it. Family won’t secure it. Only in finding Jesus in the middle of all the mess, mayhem, and stress of this time will we truly find joy. Let’s pray for open eyes to see God’s gifts given us in Jesus.
A key way to see some of these gifts is to look at the description of what God brings through Jesus form Zechariah’s song in Luke 1:67-79: redeemed, raised up, salvation, shown mercy, remembered, rescued, enabled, without fear, forgiveness of sins, rising sun, peace.
A song to consider might be, “Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord.” Let’s seek after Jesus! Let’s hear His invitation to follow Him! Let’s learn to recognize His voice and to be molded into His likeness.
Hymnic passages to possibly include with our song sets: Luke 1:35-37 or Luke 1:76-79.
We will use a video of Zechariah’s song along with a reading of that same passage from The Message.
Kernel of the message can be found here:
Heartlight Article: Season of Joy
Scripture Video Combination:
We will use the following video, Zechariah’s song, immediately following the reading out of The Message version of Luke 1:67-79. The reading of the Scripture gives us the message of Zechariah’s song in today’s language, the video that follows it is the Hebrew of the song sung by a cantor. Beautiful, powerful, and a reminder of the long history of our source of joy!
LIFE Questions:
We find ourselves in two situations that challenge our openness to joy: the current difficult economic conditions and also the “busy-ness” of the season. How do we reconnect to the joy of God during these times?
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as the story of Abraham and Sarah that it reflects (Genesis 18), both are told with irony and a touch of humor. Yet frequently we do not notice humor in the great stories of God. Why do think that is so?
Why are awe at the work of God and also the ability to laugh with God both important in our lives and our worship?
Reading Luke 1, how do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth felt about life and it’s disappointments before Zechariah’s experience in the Temple?
What disappointments had they faced?
How does Luke make clear that their own mistakes and sinfulness were the cause of these disappointments?
Do you think they ever anticipated being caught up in God’s story in such a dramatic way?
What does their experience have to say to us about being caught up in God’s story?
Why do you think Zechariah was made where he could not speak after he was told he and Elizabeth would have a son?
Zechariah’s song sounds very much like a quotation of Scripture or an ancient song, why do you think these were the first words out of his mouth?
What is the greatest disappointment you face in your life right now?
What does this story say to you about the work of God in your life?