Comfort through ... Love

A Valentine's cake declares a lover's sentiments.

Love is many things. Romance sung about in love songs, and exchanged when you feel in love with someone. It is physical intimacy. Care of parent for their child. Kindness of help for neighbors in need.

“In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.” (Luke 1:78)

So we hear in the song of Zechariah about the God’s love that brings us comfort when we are forsaken, despairing, afraid.

Think of a lover tenderly wiping the tears off her grieving face. Think of a mother, grabbing her sobbing child in a hug. Think of a skilled nurse treating the sore burn wounds of a forest fire victim in the ICU.

The good news is: We may be captive to the darkness of bullying, death of loved ones, or tragedies out of our control. But love brings light into our situations. Do you need comfort? God loves you.

Jesus says to you: The dawn from on high has come to show you the light of God’s love. Feel the tender compassion of your God. It changes you and your world as Zechariah sang in anticipation.

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Give Praise

Church vocal and bell choir in worship leads the assembled congregation to give God praise. Throughout the Bible, God and humans have used music to communicate with each other and about God’s greatness. Word In the Old testament, King David instructed the worship leaders of Israel to praise God for the kind and powerful help they received: “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. ” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9) The songbook of the Bible encourages creativity and diversity for giving glory to God with a new song. In one of its poetic hymns we are told that it is not only fitting but pleasing to God to join all creation “... with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!” (Psalm 98:6) And the early church saw spiritual songs as an expression of their new life in Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to believ

Invitation

The Weekly Word will be brief, so it can be read or viewed easily, yet without compromising on faithful and meaningful content. It will consist of four parts which will draw your interest, help connect with the topic, learn about biblical stories or ideas, and share a transformative and encouraging message for your life. There will usually be a topic introduction, some real-life connection, biblical reflections, and the good news God’s message from Jesus. Get God’s message for your life. Sunday worship offers a unique way to celebrate God’s love and experience the love of faith community. Throughout your week, read my Weekly Word blog or watch the Weekly Word video online. May the Spirit deepen your understanding of God’s message of love, keep you encouraged to follow and serve Jesus, and invite you to practice trust in God’s promises and join a local faith community. Your Weekly Word author Pastor Stefan Munker

Spreading the Love

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Weekly Word

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