December 22 2024 “Shared Surprise” (Luke 1:38-45)

Intro:  Last week we read from the third chapter of Luke and heard about John the Baptist describing Jesus.  At that point, they were both fully grown adults.  Today, our lesson is from the opening chapter of Luke and Luke tells us of Jesus and John meeting even before they were born.  He tells us of their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, who are cousins, and how their lives are forever changed by God’s grace.  (Read Luke)

I’d like to start this morning with quick question.  And I would like to ask those who have had children what they remember about the day they first heard they were pregnant.  What was it like when you found out you were pregnant for the first time?  I asked that Pathways a few weeks ago, and I remember at a bible study once, there was laughter and then someone said her first thought was “well, that explains a few things!”  Someone else described an inner joy, and another said there was a feeling that an era was ending and a new one beginning.  

As Luke tells it, the Christmas story begins in a way very different then we celebrate it in our culture.  It begins in his gospel in a place of bareness, heartache, and sorrow.  It begins with a couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, who at first glance seem fine, even fortunate in their lives, yet who in fact carry great burden of grief and disappointment in their hearts. 

Luke wants us to know right from the start, right up front, that the good news of great joy has come not to those who are already happy and fulfilled, and not to those who are content and complete in their lives.  But rather it has come to those who bear a great pain in their lives, and that is the reason for rejoicing.  For us it has come, for us who struggle with tragedy of whatever kind.  It has come to those who feel that somehow hope has been stolen out of their lives.  For us, who are plagued by despair and discouragement or sorrow and shame.  For us, the good news comes.  

Luke starts out this way to emphasize that the good news of great joy comes to the place of great need.  We should take care then not to assume that just because this is a celebration of glad tidings that everyone is happy this season, because this is not always the case.  For some, this season brings into focus some of the most painful areas of their lives, memories of loved ones now separated by death, or the absence of children who live with the other spouse, or some other reminder of how things are not the way we would like them to be.  Luke opens his gospel reminding us that Christmas begins in a barren place. 

They seem like such a perfect couple, you wouldn’t have thought they have any problems in their life.  If you weren’t one of their close friends and had not heard the lament in their lives, you would have thought that Elizabeth and Zechariah had it all.  For Jews, living in the time when Herod was king of Judea, to be a priest like Zechariah was a wonderful thing.  To be the daughter of a priest, as Elizabeth, was an even more wonderful thing.  No doubt when they were married people said you will be doubly blessed in your life together. 

They began that life, we might imagine, in great joy and anticipation.  It was back then the hope of every Jewish bride that she might be the one that would bear the child who would be called messiah, the redeemer.  So we might imagine that Elizabeth also began in marriage with hope and joy, and perhaps had a dream that she might be the one to give birth to the promised one.  She most likely had assumed that she would have children.  It probably never had occurred to her that it could be otherwise.  In a society that had little value for women, giving birth was on of those few ways that they might obtain significance. 

Today of course we see that viewpoint as oppressive and devaluing.  But in those days when Herod was king, a woman’s value was based on her ability to have children and more specifically on her ability to have a son. 

So Elizabeth assumed she would also have children.  The hope she began her married life with gave way to hurt as the years went by.  That hurt turned to despair as she moved in to the middle years of her life, until finally that despair hardened into disgrace in the twilight years of her life.  That Elizabeth could not have children was without a doubt her greatest shame, her greatest sorrow.  One that probably grew more difficult every time she heard the sound of children playing outside.  We can hear her asking God, how could it be that she would be barren? 

For Jews, to be barren would immediately be seen as God looking with disapproval on a couple.  Some even felt it was punishment for sin.  Yet Luke records what everyone had known that Elizabeth and Zechariah were upright before the Lord.  They had done nothing wrong.  It had plagued them, and it was a mystery that wove itself into the fabric of their prayers and found expression in that question we like to ask when God does not do what we like.  It was formed on their lips and etched in their hearts, the question why?  Why have you not blessed us with children?, Why have turned your face away from us?, Why has this tragedy come upon us?, and Why don’t you come and make things better? 

Those are questions that are not just restricted to the times when Herod was king in Judea.  We read about children dying of aids, we hear about wars and famine, and homelessness.  It leaves a barrenness inside us, filled only with that question of why?

That’s how Luke starts his gospel, in a barren place  But it doesn’t end there, it quickly, although for Zechariah and Elizabeth at long last, moves to the promise of hope and the experience of joy.  Luke’s point, and the point of the whole incarnation that we celebrate here in the Christmas season, is that God sends the promise of new life directly into the barren place, into the place of despair and discouragement. 

It is not coincidental or incidental.  It is at the heart of what the Gospel means.  Elizabeth rejoices and says “the Lord has done this for me, and shown me favor and taken away my disgrace.”  And then Elizabeth has a rather interesting reaction.  According to Luke she doesn’t go out and announce the good news to her neighbors, Luke says she remains five month in seclusion.  In seclusion.  We’re not told why.  We are free to guess. 

Maybe it is because the news was too fantastic to believe and there was no use telling others until she began to show.  Maybe it was because there are mysteries that happen to us that can not be shared.  Times that are too precious and extraordinary and to even speak of them is to reduce them and rob them of their glory.  Like Mary, when she learned she was pregnant, pondered all these things in her heart. 

Perhaps we have been touched in the center of our souls, in a way we can not describe yet can not deny  That may have been the case for Elizabeth.  That she choose to honor that gift of grace that had come into her life.  Sometimes it seems that no one can understand those moments and that is why we don’t speak of them, sometimes it seems that no one can understand them unless they have had a similar experience.

Which brings us to the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, sisters of a common grace.  They are both recipients of a rare mystery.  They feel an immediate bond because they have been visited by the spirit of God, and the mystery inside of them needs no explanation for they understood.  Mary’s voice calls out, and a baby leaps within Elizabeth’s womb, and they have shared more than could ever be said by words.  There is a unity they have experienced that reaches out beyond any need to explain, and they connect.  Beneath their words, beyond their family ties, beyond their age differences, the life of God inside one touches the life of God inside the other, they discover they are sister of a shared surprise. 

There are mysteries beyond our ability to explain, and we do not have to define or defend them.  God chooses to come to us a child, to show us how to live and love.  Why is God like that?  Who knows?  We gather to celebrate the grace and gift of God.  We remember our common barrenness that cries out for the life of God.  We are all in need and in the Christmas story, we all find hope.  We are not forgotten or forsaken.  In Jesus Christ we are favored. 

We don’t have it all together, thought at first glance we may want to seem or least appear that we do.  There are places in our lives that hurt and need healing, there are places in our lives that sorrow and need comfort, places that sin and need forgiveness.  When we least expect it, we are visited and nurtured in ways we can not describe.  God does binds us in  worship as children of a shared surprise.  Happy are those who believe what the Lord has promised to them – will be accomplished.  Amen.    

Sunday 22nd December 2024

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm

A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am

Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am

Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

January services are all at St Martins.

On the 5th & 19th we will be joined by our neighbours from Beckenham Methodist.

Volunteers to serve morning tea on 5th January still required please.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers: over summer we will meet 9.30am at South Library – all are welcome. Check with Sonya 027 253 3397 for details.

CWS Christmas Appeal envelopes can be placed in the offertory plate on any Sunday until 26th January.

CONSERVATION – Week 12. We all know that alcohol is not good for us and it’s not good for the planet either. Like nearly everything, it has a big carbon footprint. It would be far better that vineyards grew crops for biofuel rather than alcohol for human consumption. What can you do? Cut back on alcohol consumption. It will be good for you. Instead, burn the alcohol in tractors. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

The Parish Office re-opens on Thursday 23rd January.

Come, Christmas Child

Come, Christmas Child, come again in your wonder,

changing the world with the light that you hold;

burst through the mist and the dust of the ages,

Word for our time to unwrap and unfold.

Come to be born in a comfortless cradle,

come where our cruelties keep us in chains:

Herod still hunts for our innocent children,

Rachel still weeps and her sorrow remains.

Bring us your mirror of hope and compassion,

bring us your mindset that mends and restores,

bake us the bread of new life you will offer,

knocking once more on humanity’s doors.

Come, Christmas Child, in the festival’s flurry,

come in the silence, the pain and the night,

come in the hearts that are faith-filled as Mary’s,

bringing the joy of the love you invite.

Shirley Murray

Sunday 15th December 2024

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Informal Walk 18th December: meet 9.30am at South Library.

CONSERVATION – Week 11. Most of us eat far too much. It is not healthy for us or the planet. All food has a carbon footprint – particularly meat. Eat health foods. What can you do? Don’t eat for pleasure. Sure, enjoy the company that food can bring, but in moderation. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Waltham Cottage is closed from 19 December until late January – if you could refrain from bringing groceries that would be appreciated.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: South Library

Opawa Community Church Carol Singing with Stedfast Brass Friday 20th December 6pm – all welcome.

From the Parish Council Meeting – 11.12.24

  • Anna’s last day in the office before she goes on leave will be Friday 20th December 2024 – returning again on Thursday 23rd January 2025.
  • Warren has carried out a ‘walk through’ of the Manse, noting a few jobs that need to be done. Donna is an excellent tenant.
  • For when the weather is wet and one is wanting to hang up one’s wet coat – 4 coat hooks have been placed in the toilet area and 4 hooks in the cupboard in the foyer.
  • You will have enjoyed the Christmas card with the photo of the Cross on front of the church. Thanks to Rob Connell for taking the photo and to Dan for arranging that everyone got a copy. Also sent to all clergy who have helped over the past year.
  • Discussion regarding funeral disbursements. In February 2025, we will review guidelines regarding funeral costings and the use of the church complex.
  • Budget – Finances are ‘OK’ but, according to our budget, we have a $3000 deficit. Given that we have a full time Minister (who is working extremely hard) is it time for us all to review the amount we give? Many members give by direct credit. On the plus side, we have received our first Solar credit ($52 rebate).
  • Thanks to the MenzShed for building the planter box positioned at the end of the office building. Soil and plants to be in position soon.
  • Church piano – is in a pretty sad state and would require quite substantial repairs. Earthquakes and being stored in a container has led to its demise. If you would like to contribute towards funding for a new piano, please see the Parish Clerk. Given the piano’s use, not only on Sunday, but during the week for other groups, we need to replace it soon.
  • Garage Sale – date with the MenzShed to be considered.

Sunday 8th December 2024

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers 11th December: meet 9.30am in or near Barrington Mall carpark in Simeon Street.  Coffee at Mosaic.  All welcome – Janette 021 075 6780.

CONSERVATION – Week 10. Food has a big carbon footprint and is likely to stay that way as there is little that can be done with our present population density to convert oil to food. Food that is transported from overseas is particularly bad with its transport carbon footprint. What can you do? Don’t buy imported food. Only eat NZ in-season food preferably sourced from the grower.  warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Thank you to everyone who has donated Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage:

Sue has located the wild plums she wanted and has made wild plum jelly to go with Christmas ham, or just on toast. Bottles on sale, $5 each.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Tuesday 10am              South Elder Care lunch Jeannette 332 9869

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Barrington. Janette 021 075 6780

Wednesday 2pm           Seniors’ HC service

Wednesday 7.30pm      Parish Council meeting

Thursday 12.15pm        Crafty Crafters’ lunch

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit (church) Anneke 021 077 4065

Saturday 9.30am           Private function (lounge)

CHRISTMAS AT ST MARTINS

Tuesday 24 December 7pm

A service of Lessons & Carols

Wednesday 25 December 10am

Christmas Day celebration

Sunday 29 December 10am

Combined service at Hoon Hay Presbyterian, 5 Downing Street.

Sunday 1st December 2024

Here’s our Zoom link –

Topic: St Martin’s Sunday Worship. To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508696154?pwd=cnErZFM5VG5OQVhsZkxYc0dxOHdvUT09

Meeting ID: 815 0869 6154
Passcode: 712158

NOTICES:

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please join us for morning tea following the service.

We give thanks for the life of Bill Irvine, who died on 26th November, and pray for Isobel and his family and friends as they mourn. We remember his music ministry here at St Martins for 30+ years – for the tremendous contribution to the parish that he gave so willingly. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord.

Donations: if you would like to support the ministry at St Martins our bank account is: 03-1598-0011867-00. Please include your name as a reference.

Wednesday Walkers 4th December: meet 9.30am Hawford Rd near or in Opawa Mall carpark for a walk around Opawa. Coffee at Opawa Café.  All welcome. Sonya 027 253 3397.

CONSERVATION – Week 9. This week’s conservation suggestion is to live close to where you work or commonly travel to. Our church’s biggest carbon footprint is from our transport to church. This will be especially true with solar added to our church. What can you do? If it is not practical to shift, try ride sharing. warren.pettigrew@raztec.co.nz

Seniors’ Communion Service Wednesday 11th December 2pm – bring a friend and enjoy singing and listening to some Christmas music. Afternoon tea will follow. All are welcome.

Christmas Gifts for Waltham Cottage: Please bring along suitable new gifts for boys, girls, teenagers and adults and place them under the Christmas tree in the church by 8th December. Donations of wrapping paper also appreciated.

Sue has located the wild plums she wanted and has made wild plum jelly to go with Christmas ham, or just on toast. Bottles on sale, $5 each.

THIS WEEK AT ST MARTINS                                      

Monday 1-4pm              Foot Clinic (lounge) Janette 021 0756780

Tuesday 10am              South Elder Care (lounge) Jeannette 332 9869

Tuesday 7.15pm           Meditation Group (lounge) Dugald 021 161 7007

Wednesday 9.30am      Walking Group: Opawa Sonya 027 253 3397

Wednesday 9.30am      Port Hills U3A (whole complex) Joy 337 2393

Thursday 10am             Crafty Crafters (lounge) Sally 332 4730

Thursday 1.30pm          Sit & Be Fit (church) Anneke 021 077 4065

Saturday 1-11pm          Private function (whole complex)