Pastor's Corner

(Luke 1:26-56)

"I give in. I'll do it, just let me go!" Marian shouted as her brother twisted her into submission on the floor. They were wrestling over who would wash the dishes. Toby's size and strength worked to his advantage in getting his sister to see his point of view.

The Cross and Christmas. Not too many people like to link the crucifix to Christmas! It is not kosher or inappropriate, some might suggest, but is precisely the message of Christmas. Christmas is where the cross and the manger emerged, both made out of wood. As I prepare personally for the Advent season, I too think of the manger, the baby, Mary, Joseph, and the cross.

But imagine the thoughts of God as He sent His only Son, Jesus into the world that morning in Bethlehem knowing well that he would die to save a dying world, that is beyond me. But I am grateful for God’s demonstration of mercy, love and compassion for me and for all people.

We each have the greatest gift already inside our hearts and it was free and has brought us new life. But there are so many in our world today who have never heard about this new birth or this life changing experience in Jesus Christ. It is hard to believe, but is true because we who grew up in the Church and are surrounded by the love and grace of Jesus Christ take it for granted.

As the church enters the season of Advent, a call goes out to prepare for the return of Christ. We wrestle with what that means as we try not to succumb to the commercial world that seeks to switch our focus. Making out our gift list, we begin to search for just the right presents. As you begin this process, pause and think of the gift Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave to our Lord.

When the angel came to Mary, she presented to God the Gift of Surrender: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38, NIV). God did not come with strength and power to coerce Mary into submission. Out of love, she offered herself willingly to be used in God's plan of salvation.

At this Christmas, I am thankful for the baby that was born in the manger, but I am also thankful for the cross, together both have changed my life and I will never be the same. As Zechariah's story demonstrates, God is never predictable, but is always faithful. With Christ in your heart … have a blessed Christmas. Joy to the world, the Lord is Come.

Prayer: Lord, look upon us with favour and help us to surrender our wills, our ways, our gifts, and our time to your perfect plan for our lives. Through Christ, we pray. Amen

Merry Christmas, Glædlig Jul, Frohe Weihnachten,Happy Hanukkah, & Joyeux Noël

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Worship through Song

Singing in church is not necessarily an art but a state of the heart. When we are in church praising the Lord through song, we sing through and from the heart. There is no reason someone cannot sing when they are in the midst of worship. This is clearly stated in Ephesians 5:19 “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” The music we make in church is so important to spiritual health. And make no mistake we contribute to the music. Whether it be in a regular service with the organ or a in a more contemporary service with a band leading the song, we are part of it. The congregation is the choir and engaged in the worship of God. Should we not be experiencing a sense of awe and wonder in His presence when we sing?

I have often wondered how people can actually stop when the hymn stops. Some congregations will sing verses over and over again and it’s probably because the experience is overpowering. One cannot just stop. The apostle Paul sang with “the spirit and with the mind also" (1 Cor. 14:14-15, RSV).

Hearts are stirred and tears may be shed. Those who love the Lord are encouraged to "sing till we feel our hearts ascending with our tongues." Our song should be evocative and honest. During this Christmas season let us lend ourselves to expressing our worship through song.

Have a blessed Christmas! Rosemarie

Web Page prepared by:

Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2016/04/05
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal