“ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” (Luke 1:14-15a)
There’s an old Bette Midler song called “Hero” with lyrics that go something like this—”It must have been cold there in my shadow, to never have sunlight on your face. You were content to let me shine, because that’s your way, you always walked a step behind. So, I was the one with all the glory, while you were the one with all the strength. A beautiful face without a name for so long. A beautiful smile to hide the pain. Did you ever know that you’re my hero, and everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, ’cause you are the wind beneath my wings.”
This Sunday we begin our Advent journey once again with a story about a couple who had long since given up the thought of having a child though “both were righteous in the sight of God but well beyond parenting years.” (verse 6 & 7) This would be a miracle birth of sorts, they no doubt knew the prophecies of the one who would come to save His people—yet the angel Gabriel made it clear that their son would be born as one who would “. . . be a joy and delight to them, and many would rejoice because of his birth, for he would be great in the sight of the Lord (verses 14-15a)—Yet, his main purpose was to quiet simply to “. . . make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (verse 17c)
Zechariah and Elizabeth, two unsung heroes who would indeed have a co-starring role along with their son, John the Baptist in changing the world and the lives of humankind for all times. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as we begin our journey to Christmas and the Rev. Fred Mast brings a special message entitled, “The Wind Beneath My Wings”. 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—this week featuring our “Second Chance Boutique” a great chance to get a great Christmas Gift for that special someone!
ALL are invited to join in our Advent Study entitled, “When God Comes Down” as we explore the lives of people who witnessed the miracle of the Incarnation, reflect on their stories, and become witnesses with them to the one true light that will never be overcome. We meet Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am at the church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.), and Tuesday afternoons at 2 PM at the Gathering Place (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona through December 17. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. 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!
