It’s the Most "Wonderful" (Cynical) Time of the Year Sermon Notes

Sermon 1 of our 2019 Christmas series.

Luke 1:5-18 - (5) 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. (6) Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. (7) But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. (8) Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, (9) he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. (10) And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (11) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. (12) When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. (13) But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. (14) He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, (15) for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. (16) He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. (17) And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (18) Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

Doubt is ____________, even for ____________ __________.

Don't always trust your eyes. Engage your mind and heart to ______ ______ ____________.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - (8) The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Proverbs 14:15 - (15) The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.