"It Had to be This Way"

by Rev. C. David Underwood

Luke 1:5-25

Sermon Notes from 26 November 2000

Christmas is all about God's plan of redemption.

How God works to accomplish his purpose.

1. Fulfilled in God's own time. "At the proper time." This was a scheduled event. Zacharias' prayer was heard when the time was right. Not when Zacharias & Elizabeth expected it. Many looked long for the Messiah, but now the time was right.

   "The trouble is, I'm in a hurry and God is not." Dr. Brooks.

   God doesn't get tired of our prayers, and we don't change his time tables. We pray for God's will to be done in his time.

2. Usually fulfilled when we least expect it. Serving in the Temple was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Zacharias. God broke in on Zacharias in a unique way. He was startled, fearful. It was not an accident or coincidence that Zacharias was there at that time.

3. Raises many questions. Zacharias asked, "How can I know this?" Mary also asked how it was to happen. She pondered. Joseph asked if he should even marry Mary.

   We ask questions of God. Why did God wait so long? Why me?

   Zacharias expressed doubt. It's OK to ask questions. As long as we can live with the answers.

   Don't

   • demand answers.
   • refuse to move until we get the answers.

   We have many questions. We may never know the answers, but don't let questions ruin your faith.

It is exciting to see God work in the world. Look for how God is working in the situations we are in. It might not be pleasant, but may we see God in the midst of the chaos.