Richvale Community Church
Sunday, December 7 2025
- Introduction“Good morning Church!Thank you to everyone that helped with the greening of the church .. it’s really beautiful..I was thinking about some of the decorations we see at Christmas…Some of us put up a tree. Then we decorate the inside of our houses…and there are others , that’s not enough—they decorate the outside too.And then there are another level … those who go all out. The elaborate Christmas decorator..Their decorations are just truely amazing! They put up lights, the garlands, the inflatable snowmen—they have it all.I can only imagine the planning that goes into it… maybe spreadsheets, diagrams, even a full battle plan just to get the lights on the roof without falling off!I started wondering… how long does it take to put all of that up?Well apparently , for an elaborate display, it can take up to 40 hours or more, and sometimes it stretches to several weeks, depending on how complicated—the display is.…After putting up the Church Christmas tree last Sunday … I’m think I’m good.. If it wasn’t for Adam, Kyle and Craig —I’d still be there.. .it would be good..“Today we continue our series,The Songs of Christmas from the Gospel of Luke, and today we’re looking at the making of a worshiper.”The word worship is an old English word that means Worth-ship.It means to givevalue — to some thing or someone..The Hebrew word for worship carries the idea of bending the knee, showing reverence, offering ourselves in devotion.Biblical worship—is a response..especially in the NT - it is a reorientation..Where worship is not focused is not a out works… but on …—Gods character, His mercy,His faithfulness…his goodness..It’s a re-orientation of of our lives …in relation to who we are and who he is“Worship is human response to a gracious God”In the Old Testament,Israel was initially a nomadic people .. they would have to break camp and move to the next site..That included moving the tabernaclethey had a whole tribe. For this task.,The levites.. every time they set up camp they would build the tabernacle in the middle of the camp…Which is significant.. because.. the tabernacle represented God’s presence among h is people.. When they settled in the land, in Jerusalem the temple was fixed and was the center of worship—God’s presence has always been at the heart of His people.And Worship has always been about putting God in the center… of our lives..This morningwe going to be looking at the song of Zechariah..Last week we introduce to..Zachariah and Elizabeth …they were amazing People..both grew up in families tied to the priesthood.Yet, they struggled for decades with barrenness and unanswered prayer…But after years of praying and nothing changing…They didn’t stop..They kept on seeking God.. They kept showing up. kept serving.Kept on worshipong— AND GOD SHOWED UP..T/s We learn from Zachariah Song that first..I. Worship is an Encounter with GodWorship doesn’t always begin with clarity…This past week we have had …this thick fog settled over the Central Valley and into Northern California.From above, the aerial views have been strikingI just a photo from paradise and it’s pretty incredible seeing carpet of fog..the blue skies above,,.. this fog stretches nearly 400 miles across the state.That first Advent began in the fog..Luke tells us the story begins, “in the days of Herod.” It was a dark and oppressive time.Herod was appointed by Rome, a king who ruled through fear and control.On top of that, Israel had gone four hundred years without a prophet.There was no prophetic revelation... Malachi had spoken of the coming Messiah—one who would rescue and save—but then there is silence for 400 years…Into this world, Luke introduces Zechariah and Elizabeth. Faithful, devout, godly people.Who have pain and disappointments, yet remained faithful.Zechariah continued his ministry as a priest, offering prayers and sacrifices.But ..one day things changed …God intervene.Zechariah is walks into the Holy Place in the temple carrying years of longing and prayers.. and he had encounter with the Lord which changes change everything…lets read..
Luke 1:8–13 ESV 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.Zechariah’s was part of one of 24 divisions.. in the levitical priesthoodthere were over 20 000 priest that served in the temple and it was privilege and high honor to be chosen to serve in the temple…….Part of the custom was to cast lots and he is chosen..His task was to offer up incense..When the priest entered the Holy place - He represented the whole nation (corporate worship) — He was bring up their prayers as incense before the Lord… while they prayed outside He took their prayers inside… then would come out and bless the people..It interesting that today in Jerusalem, the Western Wall of the temple still stands, and people from around the world come to the Wailing Wall. They write their prayers on pieces of paper and place them into the crevices of the wall, lifting their hearts to God in faith and hope.While Zachariah is doing he priestly duties of offering up prayers for the nation..he encounters the angel gabriel.We told that the an angel of the Lord appeared to him…”The angel doesn’t just appear—he brings a word a answer…:“Your prayers has been heard.”What a moment that must have been…GOD COMES TO ZECHARAIH..Worship is not just about us reaching up to God… but it is about God coming DOWN to us…Jesus said to the woman at the well.. That day coming THAT HAD already ARRIVED … no longer REQUIRED a sacred mountain to worship… but the day has come when people will worship in spirit and truth..Then adds..And father is seeking this kind of worshipers..Here is the thing..We don’t have to manufacture spiritual moments.God delights to meet us WHERE WE AT..The angel delivered an extraordinary message:That Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a son named John, who would be great before the Lord. This child would:Be filled with the Holy Spirit from birthTurn many Israelites back to GodCome in the spirit and power of Elijah, preparing the way for the Lord (Luke 1:5–25)— This was so much more than Zacharah could have hoped for…IT WAS OVERWHELMING. AND HIS …And struggled to beleif..I’m wondering this morning ..How do we handle the unrealized in Our lives..The unrealized Dreams, Hopes and vision?How do we handle unanswered prayers?We need be encourage God see has hears our prayers…never too late..The bible says though vision tarry wait for it… is shall surely come to pass..Here is the thing God pours out his grace in full measure… He doesn’t hold back..Ephesians 1:7–8 ESV 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insightWe learn from Zachariah Song that first..I. Worship is an EncounterII. Worship is FormationFor our 25th anniversary, Pam and I ..trip of life time to Italy..a a part of that of traveling to Venice.One of the highlights was visiting the nearby island of Murano, famous for its master glassmakers who have worked there for centuries.We stepped into a workshop and watched an artisan at work. He took a shapeless lump of molten glass and, , turned it into a beautiful horse.The process was incredible to watch. The glass had to be turned, stretched, and shaped.Sometimes it was even broken and reheated to correct flaws.Yet, in the end, the result was breathtaking—a perfect piece of art shaped through fire, time, and careful hands.This is a picture of spiritual formation.Formation is about change, transformation, and being shaped—Being A disciple it is more than just learning about God, but allowing life and experiences to mold us. Spiritual formation is about becoming more like Christ.It is not a new idea. This concept is embedded deeply in Pauline theology, ..When Paul spoke of salvation, he didn’t simply talk about forgiveness—he talked about transformation.in Galatians… Paul says he was in prayer and travail …for the church.. Praying..Galatians 4:19 – “until Christ is formed in you.”In Romans 8:29 – Paul says.. we have been predestined to be..“conformed to the image of His Son.”Colossians 3:10 –In Christ we have put on the “new self… which is being renewed.”The Early Church Fathers…They spoke “Renewal of the Image of God.”They recognized that even though—- We are created his image of God … that image has been tainted/ marred by our fallen nature..The natural man needs renewal..Augustine said that the “Soul is formed by what it loves most.” AUGUSTINEThe reformers Luther and Calvin spoke of the shaping of the heart and affectionsMore recently in modern times.. thinkers like - Henri Nouwen —Eugene Peterson ..Dallas Willard.Have brought resurgence of this idea spiritual formation being a process. Bringing a road map of spiritual growth,..They have tree movemnt movements of formationBEING -BECOMING - DOING..First.. Being — Speaks of who we are in Christ.Before Jesus calls disciples to do anything, He calls them to be with Him.Follow him … become his disciples..Be in in Christ..Identity comes before activity.Becoming - The Spirits role in reshaping usAs we walk with Him, the Holy Spirit forms new desires, attitudes, and character..Doing -is living out our lives on mission…Our mission flows out of who we’ve become.Identity → Transformation → Action.Worship speaks the Umbrella WHICH formation takes place..Worship is more than singing songs….its change.... You see..There parts of our heart that don’t always reflect Jesus— the doubts, fears, disappointments, and unbelief we’ve tucked away.This what we find of story Zechaiah.. Even though he stood strong —doing all the right things..He still was skeptic…Luke 1:18–22 ESV 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.There is a gap in Zechariah’s life between faith and belief—Living it out..something we can all relate to.We pray faithfully. We hope. We ask. We wait.And yet, deep inside, we sometimes struggle to fully believe that God will act.Zechariah had prayed for years that Elizabeth would have a child.Now an angel appears with good news—but instead of immediate belief,he asks, “How shall I know this?”In the Greek, his question carries skepticism, not simple curiosity.Even standing in the Holy Place, in the presence of God’s messenger, Zechariah’s faith wavers.Sometimes the prayers we have prayed the longest are the hardest to fully trust.Notice how Gabriel responds. He doesn’t scold Zechariah.He says, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news” (Luke 1:19).The angel’s message is simple: “Look at what is right in front of you. God’s answer is here.”It reminds me of the story of the man trapped on a roof during a flood.He prayed for God to save him.A rowboat came by, but he refused, saying, “No thanks—God will save me.”Later, a motorboat came—he refused again. Finally, a helicopter hovered overhead, lowering a rope ladder, and still he refused.In the end, he drowned. When he met God, he asked, “Why didn’t You save me?”And God said, “I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat, and a helicopter. What more could I do?”Sometimes the graceIs right in front if us.., the answer to our prayers, the provision we are waiting for, is right in front of us.Spiritual formation often begins in this gap between our faith and our belief—After Zechariah asks for a sign,, Gabriel responds in a surprising way:the sign is that Zechariah will be mute—unable to speak until the prophecy comes to pass.This silence is not punishment; it is a restorative sign, a way God confirms that His words are true.Gabriel says,“…because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time” (Luke 1:20).The muteness itself becomes the sign—a living confirmation that God’s promise will come to pass.But it’s more than a sign; it is also part of Zechariah’s spiritual formation.God’s timing becomes Zechariah’s classroom.His silence is a season to listen, reflect, and surrender.Some God uses silence to teach us..Applications.When God slows you down or closes a door,He is not withholding—He is shaping.Seasons of silence can be seasons of deep spiritual maturity if we let God work.We need be encouraged by their example…Because God doesn’t put time stamps on his purposes …there are no delays or Detours with Him..God is author and the finisher of our faith.≥.writes the end of the Story..The bible says though vision tarry wait for it… is shall surely come to pass..God answers the prayers inLuke 1:24–25 ESV 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”Elizabeth conceives, and she responds with praise..Her joy is immediate.We learn from Zachariah Song that first..I. Worship is an EncounterII. Worship is FormationIII. Worship is a DeclarationIII. Worship Is a DeclarationAdvent is the celebration of the Birth of Christ.. and there is nothing quite like a New born coming into your family..Nearly a year ago, our grandson Jason was born..Emma went into labor with Jason…on Sunday..They were living in Reno, and we had our bags packed before Sunday service even started.I had to do everything in my power to keep Pam in the building. And some of you may remember…that was the shortest service in Bridges family history.No snacks. No fellowship. We were headed to Reno!There excitement around d new birth..And that’s exactly what’s happening when John the Baptist is born.Eight days after his birth, the relatives all gather for his circumcision—This was an important time for the Jews.. because itcelebrated that this new born is now officially part of God’s covenant people.But then… well… the extended Jewish family does what extended Jewish families do.They start giving opinions.They all just assume the baby should be named Zechariah after his father. “It’s tradition!” “No one in this family is named John!”You can almost hear the debate rising—Fiddler on the Roof vibes, a chorus of cousins and aunts whispering: “Why John? Where’d they get John? You don’t just name a child John!”But Elizabeth stands firm: “His name will be John.”They turn to Zechariah—poor Zechariah, who hasn’t spoken a single word in nine months—and hand him a writing tablet.With absolute clarity, he writes: “His name is John.”In that moment—right in the middle of family noise—God does something miraculous.Zechariah is healed. His tongue is loosed. His voice returns. His doubt is gone. His faith is full.And what comes out of his mouth first?Not small talk. Not frustration. Not “Finally, I can speak!”No—praise.Worship becomes his declaration. It’s the overflow of a heart God has formed in silence.Luke 1:64–66 ESV 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.And Scripture says fear and wonder fell on the people, and the news spread everywhere. People knew: God had done something here.Zachariah is filled with the spirit and began to prophesy.This section is called the Benedictus — song of praise..Scholars call it “the last prophecy of the Old Dispensation and the first of the New.”Luke 1:68–79 ESV 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”Zechariah begins with blessed be the God of Israel… What does it mean to bless God?Blessing is not adding to who God is! We cannot add to his inherit worth…It means RECOGNIZE THAT GOD IS TRUELY WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE…IT reorientates US TO WHO WE ARE AND WHO HE IS… HE IS CREATOR GOD…. WE ARE HIS CREATION…For centuries, people believed the earth was the center of the universe—everything revolved around us. Then Copernicus in 1500’s pointed to the sun, and everything changed. Suddenly, we realized that we are not the center—the sun is.In the same way, worship reminds us that God is at the center.Zechariah’s song is a declaration of God Has done…in His plan in Salvation.God has come to His people.He has brought Salvation as Strength… from the House of David…He has provided Deliverance from Enemies:God keeps His covenant and rescues His people.He is going to use John to bring Light into Darkness:There are — 19 verbs.. in this Song..God has…Visited… Redeemed… Raised up… Kept… Spoken… Saved… Shown… Remembered… Kept… Freed… Sent… Gives… Forgives… Shows… Brings… Guides… Leads… Directs… Shows…The songs we sing are simply a reflection of who God is…Worship is a response ..it’s a response to the faithful God who has been at work from the past to the present—and will continue to be at work in our lives.CONCLUSION…Our role in worship is to turn to Him…With all this cloudy weather…The other day we sat outside and basked in the Sun… that is worship..Worship is reorientation.It is putting God in the center… It is allowing God to gently turning our hearts back toward Him, again and again, until what we desire begins to align with what He desires.Before Zechariah ever sang, God was forming something in him. In the silence… In the uncertainty… In the space where doubts and faith wrestled inside him…Spiritual formation does not happen all at once.It happens in degrees.2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.more like Jesus.This how God changes us from the in side out..Worship is more than singing songs…Worship isn’t confined to an hour, but a posture worship that directs our lives…Closing Prayer“Father, turn our hearts back toward You. Shape us in the waiting, strengthen us in the silence, and form Christ in us—day by day, degree by degree. Let our lives become worship that honors You in every decision, every word, every step. Fill us with Your Spirit, guide us in Your truth, and help us to live as a living declaration of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Luke 1:8–13CSB
Ephesians 1:7–8CSB
Luke 1:18–22CSB
Luke 1:24–25CSB
Luke 1:64–66CSB
Luke 1:68–79CSB
2 Corinthians 3:18CSB
Richvale Community Church
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