Living in Jerusalem for many years, Simeon had grown used to being patient. For thirteen generations from the Exile, the people of God had anticipated and expected that Immanuel would be arriving any day. Through those times of struggle and wrestling with doubt, questions of God’s care and providence, the people of Israel longed for the time when God would send his Messiah, the anointed one, to take up the throne in Israel again. David’s son would crush the litany of conquerors which had overrun the land and exact revenge on behalf of Israel.
Waiting, though, is not a very fun thing. Patience is one of the virtues most highly valued but least likely to be embraced.
To make matters more difficult, the Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he saw the Messiah. Yes, he had something to look forward to every morning, a hope as of yet unfulfilled, but the measure and burden of patience, especially when expecting Israel’s consolation, was extraordinarily difficult.
To long for a consolation…
We don’t often talk about this consolation that Simeon was waiting for. We more often skip this period of patience and leap right into the moment he lofts the Saviour child into the air and blesses both God and Son and now understands that Simeon can move on.
This week, though, we’ll be looking at both patience and promise. What does it mean for we who wait for the Return of the King (Messiah) in an increasingly difficult world that seems to be burning right before our eyes? Where do we see the Messiah and how do we wrestle with doubt and questions of God’s care and providence? How do we trust Jesus in what seems to be a cosmic absence?
In essence, how do we wait?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Luke 2:25-35
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Praise Point
This Sunday at the 10.30am service, Madison Rose Gibbs, daughter of Bryce and Lauren, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.
Weekly News
This will be the last weekly news for 2019. The first edition for 2020 will be published on 10 January.
Christmas is coming… literally!
So let’s come together to celebrate God coming to us, through the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.
Bring your family and invite your friends. This year we need… you!
The ancient Jewish tradition was for families to gather together and retell the story of their escape from slavery.
This year we are encouraging families, young and old to come together for the 5pm Christmas Eve service and share in the story that changes our lives forever.
• Be ready to retell the Christmas story in your own words.
• Be ready to think about why you are here.
• Be ready for dress ups.
• Be ready to sing carols.
Big hint: You can check out some details in Luke 1 and 2.
See you Tuesday at 5pm!
Blessings, Georgie
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
A title for Jesus is ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’. How have you experienced God ‘with you’ recently?
Why was Jesus a special baby? What does his birth mean for you?
Please find attached to the weekly news email some resources from ‘Growing Faith at Home’ that you might like to consider over the next couple of weeks as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.
Blessings, Georgie
From the Office
A Parking Blessing for Christmas
Please note this year is going to be different to previous years as the school oval will not be available. Parking for members will be in the new Good Shepherd early learning centre car park (old Alliance church) and can be accessed via Hillary Cres without having to enter the church grounds. Please consider leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors. These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services. Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions of the car parking attendants is appreciated.
Office Closure over Christmas
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave. Times will be:-
24 December 2019 9.00am to 2.00pm OPEN
25 December 2019 to 7th January 2020 CLOSED
Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm
For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message. Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him.”
Isaiah 30:18
