REFLECTION
Luke 1:39-55 - Nothing is Impossible with God!
If there was anything that you could ask God for at Christmas, what would it be?
Do you think He would give it to you? Maybe you think it is too difficult even for
God to do? As humans who look to God for help, we do often wonder though, can
God really help us? Or perhaps put another way: Is anything too hard for God to do?
As we look at today’s reading, I think we will be led to the same conclusion that the
Angel Gabriel had when he said to Mary, “for nothing will be impossible with God”
(37) In today’s reading, God does three things that to us seem to be impossible.
Here is an outline.
1. A pregnant virgin? – Mary (1:26-38)
a. The Holy Spirit will come upon you (35).
b. Mary’s faith and obedience: “let it be with me according to your word”. (38)
c. For nothing will be impossible with God – the angel Gabriel (37)
2. New life in a “dead” womb? - Elizabeth (1:39-45)
a. This is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren (36,39)
b. As soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for
joy
c. Elizabeth blesses Mary: “Blessed are you among women” (41-45)
3. The “Most High” who lifts up the “most lowly”? – Mary’s song (1:46-56)
a. God has brought down the powerful and has lifted up the lowly (47-53)
b. God keeps his promises forever (54-56)
To Think About
God is the God of the impossible. Is there something impossible you need him to do
for you?
HYMNS
TIS 316 O little town of Bethlehem
We are a people of hope 4 vss.
TIS 256 From heaven you came
TIS 658 I the Lord of sea and sky
TIS 134 Praise my soul the king of heaven
LECTIONARY/CALENDAR ORDERS
These can now be collected from Michael Willis.
BAPTISM
Today we celebrate with Aidan Weidemann his baptism at our 10 am service. A
warm welcome to all visitors who have come for Aidan’s Baptism.
CAROL SERVICE LIGHT SUPPER
We thought it would be nice to serve some light refreshments at the conclusion of
the Carol Service today. If you would like to contribute some Home-made
Christmas fare to share, please let Margo know.
WEDNESDAY SERVICES
This year Christmas day is on a Wednesday. There will be no 10am normal Wed.
Service, just the special 9am Christmas Day service. New Year’s Day is also a
Wednesday. There will be no service on New Year’s Day.
CARPARK WORKS AND BATHROOM ACCESS
Although the works in the carpark and path are not completely finished, I am
pleased to report that this weekend and over Christmas we will have full access to
the carpark, the bathroom and the path.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 28th Dec – Samoan Youth
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
This Sunday night, Dec 22nd, we will have a traditional Carol’s service with lots of
carol singing, items from the choir and organist, and a short message. This is not a
communion Service. It will be followed by a light Christmas supper. The service
will go for about 75 minutes. On Christmas Eve we will have a 7pm family service
with communion. At 11pm will be the Christmas Eucharist. On Christmas Day, we
will have a 9am Eucharist.
WATCHNIGHT SERVICE
We will be holding our usual Watchnight Service on New Year’s Eve at 11pm. In
this tradition, we gather outside to ring the bell and greet the New Year at 12
midnight, then proceed back inside to start the New Year with the Eucharist.
BUILDING UPDATE
There were some further delays in obtaining the building permit we had hoped for
in December, so the new building will not begin construction until February, once
the permit has been issued.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
Memorial Flowers have been lovingly donated in memory of the 1st death
anniversary of Jose by his wife Marie and all the Bignoux family. Memories of Jose
will be treasured and forever in our hearts.
MISSION MOMENTS
Summer Under the Son’ (SUTS) ‘Near & Far’ for 2025 will be held at Syndal
Baptist Church from 16-18 January, 2025. If you would like to attend, please
register at https://www.summerundertheson.org/.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 29th Dec: Samuel 2. 18-20, 26;
Psalm - 148; Colossians 3.12-17; Luke 2.41-52
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: The Parish of St Eanswythe's,
Altona w. St Clement's, Laverton; The Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn;
Archdeaconry of Williamstown; The Church of the Province of Uganda; St
Augustine’s Mentone–Pastoral service; St Michael’s & St Luke’s Dandenong–
Pastoral service; Clyde North & Casey Dinka–Prayer service on new land; St
Peter’s Mornington–Carols service; The Melbourne Assessment Prison West
Melbourne– Pastoral service; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their
ministry this week.
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil,
Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia, Fay, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Shereen,
Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Monty, Noel & Ashleigh.
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