Peninsula Covenant Church
12/20/20 Message Notes
Message Title: Zechariah's Song Date: December 20, 2020
Locations & Times
Peninsula Covenant Church
3560 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA
Friday 9:00 AM
Friday 10:30 AM
Message Title: Zechariah's Song
Date: December 20, 2020
Date: December 20, 2020
New to PCC? OR maybe you just want to connect? Text “CONNECT” to:
650-332-4438 to access more information
650-332-4438 to access more information
OPENING THOUGHT: Has the music ever seemed to stop for you?
REFLECTION 1: When was a time in your life when your circumstance went from weary to wonderful? How long was that weary season? What did you do, say, or sing in that moment when it got better?
KEY QUOTE:
“Remembering the past, gives us hope in the present.”
ADVENT RECAP
12/6 - Elizabeth Song: Lord is near to us. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
12/13 - Mary’s Song: Lord is Mighty, Holy, and Merciful.
REFLECTION 2: If COVID was eradicated from the world by 11:51PM on New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 and we were all free to roam again,what would you shout or sing out to the Lord as the ball dropped 9 minutes later at midnight?
BACKSTORY ON ZECHARIAH Luke 1:5-25
*Married to Elizabeth
*Infertile Jewish God-honoring couple
*Faithful Temple Priest
*Encounters angel & disbelief causes him to go mute
*Father of John, the prophet of the Most High
KEY QUOTE:
God’s core promise to me is His presence and not all my presents and expectations that I desire under my tree.” --H. R. Brotherly
REFLECTION 1: When was a time in your life when your circumstance went from weary to wonderful? How long was that weary season? What did you do, say, or sing in that moment when it got better?
KEY QUOTE:
“Remembering the past, gives us hope in the present.”
ADVENT RECAP
12/6 - Elizabeth Song: Lord is near to us. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
12/13 - Mary’s Song: Lord is Mighty, Holy, and Merciful.
REFLECTION 2: If COVID was eradicated from the world by 11:51PM on New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 and we were all free to roam again,what would you shout or sing out to the Lord as the ball dropped 9 minutes later at midnight?
BACKSTORY ON ZECHARIAH Luke 1:5-25
*Married to Elizabeth
*Infertile Jewish God-honoring couple
*Faithful Temple Priest
*Encounters angel & disbelief causes him to go mute
*Father of John, the prophet of the Most High
KEY QUOTE:
God’s core promise to me is His presence and not all my presents and expectations that I desire under my tree.” --H. R. Brotherly
ZECHARIAH’S SONG SUMMARY
v.68 - The Lord is near (Emmanuel)
v.69 - Mighty Savior
v.72 - Merciful One
v.76 - Most High
DECLARE OUT LOUD!
Which of these attributes of God are you drawn toward: Emmanuel, Mighty, Merciful, or Most High.
KEY QUOTE:
“Remembering who God is and what he has done in the past, gives us hope in the present.”
REFLECTION QUESTION 3: This Christmas week, how will you remember that God is With us, Mighty, Merciful and Most High so that it gives you hope in the present? What song will you sing to remind yourself?
COMMIT OR RECOMMIT TO JESUS = ABC
*Acknowledge God’s love and plan for you
*Believe in Jesus power to forgive your sins
*Commit to following the Holy Spirit
Merry Christmas PCC and His peace to you!
v.68 - The Lord is near (Emmanuel)
v.69 - Mighty Savior
v.72 - Merciful One
v.76 - Most High
DECLARE OUT LOUD!
Which of these attributes of God are you drawn toward: Emmanuel, Mighty, Merciful, or Most High.
KEY QUOTE:
“Remembering who God is and what he has done in the past, gives us hope in the present.”
REFLECTION QUESTION 3: This Christmas week, how will you remember that God is With us, Mighty, Merciful and Most High so that it gives you hope in the present? What song will you sing to remind yourself?
COMMIT OR RECOMMIT TO JESUS = ABC
*Acknowledge God’s love and plan for you
*Believe in Jesus power to forgive your sins
*Commit to following the Holy Spirit
Merry Christmas PCC and His peace to you!
PCC BENEDICTION
May you jump into the arms of Jesus and may He push out into the world. May you be healed as you participate in the healing of others. Not because you must, but because you may. This is why we were born!
May you jump into the arms of Jesus and may He push out into the world. May you be healed as you participate in the healing of others. Not because you must, but because you may. This is why we were born!
BEYOND SUNDAY
During this Advent Season, PCC is wanting to help a weary world rejoice by giving you, your family, and/or friends a daily focus to help you experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Our series, A Weary World Rejoices, will focus on the 5 songs found in the Gospel of Luke. Those who sang these songs prove that in troublesome times there are still such good things to sing about God. This week we will see that in spite of the waiting for both the Messiah and his own child to arrive Zechariah is able to sing his song of joy.
Monday, Dec. 21 - Think of a time you had to wait a long time for something to come about. What was that like? How did you react? Did your attitude toward God change over time? Perhaps you are still waiting. Old Testament history gives many accounts of the children of Israel waiting. Who are some characters in the Bible who had to wait? This is a good exercise to do with your children and students and discuss what waiting is like for them.
Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Listen to Zechariah’s song and ponder what is significant to you in these words. This is a nice activity to do together with your children or students. Have them identify content that is both silly and significant to them. What attributes of God in Zechariah’s song are similar to those that we saw in Mary’s song last week? Continue to focus on those attributes this week to give your song power.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 - See Luke 1:68-77. Zechariah declares both things that God has done and things that He will do. Make a list of those things. This week's speaker Brian Rhen encouraged us with this statement: “Remembering who God is and what He has done in the past gives us hope in the present.” Reflect on God’s goodness to you. Reflect on who God is in your life today. Create a new song in your heart today.
Thursday, Dec. 24- Listen to the song "Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle. Make a list of those who are waiting for a miracle and long for hope in this weary world. Then note and list the names of the Miracle-Giver and the One who gives hope. How is God speaking to you?
Friday, Dec. 25 - We know that in this Christmas season our joy, peace, and hope is not generated on our own strength, our bright lights, or our packages under the tree. Remember our series on The Essentials? Reflect on true joy, peace, and hope. Jesus is our Light of the World that brings hope and salvation to us and to the weary world. Light a candle, flameless tea light (for safety), or grab a flashlight. Sit in the light and reflect on God as the Light of the World. What is God saying to you? If you can do so safely, turn off your light and sit in the darkness. What is God saying to you? Turn your light back on and praise God for being your light.
Saturday, Dec. 26 - Perhaps you doubt God’s plan or timing for your life like Zechariah. Maybe you have no song in your heart right now. What is it that is standing in the way of fully trusting God? He wants to sit with you in this. Bring your true self before God today. If you are lost in darkness and the shadow of death as Zechariah talked about, and have never surrendered your life to God, you can pray a simple prayer of salvation today. God is there for you, no matter what you are going through. He is merciful and compassionate and gives light and peace in this dark world.
Prayer: Today I am lost and struggling. Forgive me, God, for doing my own thing and how I’ve hurt you and others. Thank you that you came to earth, as Jesus, and died on the cross for my sins. I surrender my life to you today, and accept you as my Savior. Thank you that you didn’t leave us on earth to struggle alone in this weary world but gave us your Holy Spirit to guide us and give us hope regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for your mercy and grace. It’s in faith I pray these things. In your Son’s almighty name, Amen.
Advent Opportunities
1. To get these daily devotionals sent to your phone, text “advent” to 650-332-4438.
2. Get involved with PCC Christmas Community Outreach to support local schools, police, and children. (see link below)
3. Join us for Christmas Eve online at 3pm/5pm Contemporary or 7pm Traditional. (see link below)
During this Advent Season, PCC is wanting to help a weary world rejoice by giving you, your family, and/or friends a daily focus to help you experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Our series, A Weary World Rejoices, will focus on the 5 songs found in the Gospel of Luke. Those who sang these songs prove that in troublesome times there are still such good things to sing about God. This week we will see that in spite of the waiting for both the Messiah and his own child to arrive Zechariah is able to sing his song of joy.
Monday, Dec. 21 - Think of a time you had to wait a long time for something to come about. What was that like? How did you react? Did your attitude toward God change over time? Perhaps you are still waiting. Old Testament history gives many accounts of the children of Israel waiting. Who are some characters in the Bible who had to wait? This is a good exercise to do with your children and students and discuss what waiting is like for them.
Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Listen to Zechariah’s song and ponder what is significant to you in these words. This is a nice activity to do together with your children or students. Have them identify content that is both silly and significant to them. What attributes of God in Zechariah’s song are similar to those that we saw in Mary’s song last week? Continue to focus on those attributes this week to give your song power.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 - See Luke 1:68-77. Zechariah declares both things that God has done and things that He will do. Make a list of those things. This week's speaker Brian Rhen encouraged us with this statement: “Remembering who God is and what He has done in the past gives us hope in the present.” Reflect on God’s goodness to you. Reflect on who God is in your life today. Create a new song in your heart today.
Thursday, Dec. 24- Listen to the song "Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle. Make a list of those who are waiting for a miracle and long for hope in this weary world. Then note and list the names of the Miracle-Giver and the One who gives hope. How is God speaking to you?
Friday, Dec. 25 - We know that in this Christmas season our joy, peace, and hope is not generated on our own strength, our bright lights, or our packages under the tree. Remember our series on The Essentials? Reflect on true joy, peace, and hope. Jesus is our Light of the World that brings hope and salvation to us and to the weary world. Light a candle, flameless tea light (for safety), or grab a flashlight. Sit in the light and reflect on God as the Light of the World. What is God saying to you? If you can do so safely, turn off your light and sit in the darkness. What is God saying to you? Turn your light back on and praise God for being your light.
Saturday, Dec. 26 - Perhaps you doubt God’s plan or timing for your life like Zechariah. Maybe you have no song in your heart right now. What is it that is standing in the way of fully trusting God? He wants to sit with you in this. Bring your true self before God today. If you are lost in darkness and the shadow of death as Zechariah talked about, and have never surrendered your life to God, you can pray a simple prayer of salvation today. God is there for you, no matter what you are going through. He is merciful and compassionate and gives light and peace in this dark world.
Prayer: Today I am lost and struggling. Forgive me, God, for doing my own thing and how I’ve hurt you and others. Thank you that you came to earth, as Jesus, and died on the cross for my sins. I surrender my life to you today, and accept you as my Savior. Thank you that you didn’t leave us on earth to struggle alone in this weary world but gave us your Holy Spirit to guide us and give us hope regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for your mercy and grace. It’s in faith I pray these things. In your Son’s almighty name, Amen.
Advent Opportunities
1. To get these daily devotionals sent to your phone, text “advent” to 650-332-4438.
2. Get involved with PCC Christmas Community Outreach to support local schools, police, and children. (see link below)
3. Join us for Christmas Eve online at 3pm/5pm Contemporary or 7pm Traditional. (see link below)
Christmas Community Outreach
Find ways you can bless others this season!
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https://pushpay.com/pay/wearepcc/uq6dNb_JWyTaA1GYlWqRcwFor PCC's Remaining Calendar Year:
June 1 - December 31, 2020
Giving Update
Budgeted Giving: $2,375,553
Giving to Date: $1,664,453
Still Needed: $ 711,100
June 1 - December 31, 2020
Giving Update
Budgeted Giving: $2,375,553
Giving to Date: $1,664,453
Still Needed: $ 711,100