Hempfield UMC

“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18) Pastor John’s Notes: Zechariah had prayed for many years for a son. When God finally granted his request, he doubted, even when the message was given by an angel. Perhaps it was natural for him to have some doubt since he and his wife were well beyond childbearing years. But we ought never forget the…

He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” (Luke 1:16-17) Pastor John’s Notes: God sent Jesus into the world to create a new nation of people from all across the globe. This new nation…

There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. (Luke 1:14-15) Pastor John’s Notes: Zecharaiah and Elizabeth were the parents of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. John was a prophet and was charged by God with the task of…

An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. (Luke 1:11-13) Pastor John’s Notes: God hears the prayer of righteous people. He listens when we humble ourselves before him. God…