Colchester Federated Church

Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner

Dear Members and Friends of Colchester Federated Church,

"While they were sleeping"

It was an evening like any other. Ordinary people were doing an ordinary job. Shepherds were "keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8). Was it chilly? Were they tired? When angels appeared with news of a Savior, had the shepherds been talking about their troubles or sharing a good joke?

How quickly, how mysteriously, how unexpectedly an ordinary night became the turning point of human history. How remarkable that God chose to set God's great rescue plan in motion when only a young couple was paying attention and only a few shepherds were awake. Sometimes we may wonder if God's there cares. The Christmas story tells us that God works out breathtaking plans for our lives in the dark, often while we're sleeping or going about our ordinary routines.

"Dare to Hope"

If you've ever given up on a dream, then you have something in common with Zechariah. When an angel brought news that Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, would soon have a son, Zechariah had trouble believing it (Luke 1:13‐18). How long had it been since Zechariah first prayed for a son? More to the point, how long had it been since he'd given up praying for a son? With the couple's childbearing years long past, Zechariah likely felt compelled to emphasize the impossibility of the angel's proclamation.

Perhaps you know what it's like to lose hope. Zechariah's story reminds us that God's plans cannot be hampered, even when the laws of nature stand in the way. Hold on to your hope because God works miracles.

Let it shine

Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing.
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of all
Let us get back our childlike faith again.

May you know Christ's love and blessings in the Advent‐Christmas season,
Rev. Linda U. Barnes