We gathered at the Christmas Markets for the 2nd week of Advent.
In this unseasonably warm winter weather, we enjoyed meeting outside at the Christmas Markets for our second Advent Outside service. We reflected on expecting to see God in the world and how that is portrayed in Luke.
Even when Zechariah WAS expecting to see God—he was in the most holy place of the temple, where they believed God lived—he was still terrified!
Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.Luke 1:8–13
It was a lively discussion and the Christmas Market was a great place for it. We had a chance to look around and let it sink in that God is in everyone. Everyone we meet. How surprising would it be if we actually looked with God's eyes and did see God in everyone?