“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” [Luke 1:39-40]
It was a meeting of the moms. Two expectant mothers, one old, one young. One was six months along—The other, newly pregnant. The fact that either one was with child was totally unexpected, a miracle in itself! Both were pregnant when really neither one of them should have been, under normal circumstances—but these were anything but normal circumstances. When God is at the center of the story, anything is possible.
And so, this is where our journey takes us this week—Mary goes to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, she enters the house, and she greets Elizabeth. And when she does, the sound of her greeting is picked up by baby John, in the womb of Elizabeth and he leaps for joy! The angel had said that John would be filled with the Spirit even in his mother’s womb—And so when Mary greets Elizabeth, the Spirit causes John to recognize that Jesus was there, too. Everywhere that Mary went, the Lamb was sure to go–the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as John himself would proclaim years later.
The presence of Christ among us brings us great joy—and so we rejoice—the arrival of Christmas should make us leap for joy. John leaps, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells Mary: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Mary, you will bear the Savior of the world—Elizabeth is honored to bear the forerunner of the Lord, but Mary will indeed give birth to the Lord himself! What a wonderful blessing! Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues an Advent sermon series “Journey to Bethlehem” in a message entitled, “Everywhere That Mary Went-The Lamb Was Sure to Go”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always welcoming friendship.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Magical Christmas Eve Service on Monday December 24th at 6PM. Our service will feature Lessons, Carols, Candlelight, and Holy Communion and will feature a Brass Quintet from the Cottonwood Community Band. Nursery Care will be provided and a special “Children’s Time” be a part of the service. Come, and experience again the birth of “The Christ Child” who came bringing God’s ultimate gift to all of creation. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We also offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9a.m. and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
