Today's reading provides explicit instruction for how to respond to good news!
Don't be like Zechariah. When the Angel Gabriel delivered the good news that the child Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for was coming (John the Baptist), Zechariah responded with skepticism and unbelief.
God heard their prayers and responded in His time, which seemed to dilute Zechariah's faith. Displeased, God punished Zechariah by silencing him until the birth of the child.
By contrast, when Gabriel visited Mary to share the good news of her impending pregnancy and the birth of Jesus, Mary responded with faith and humility!
Here are three items to remember when receiving good news from God:
1) Keep on praying and trusting in God - He hears you!
2) When you receive God's message, respond with faith and humility.
3) Know you are highly favored! God has a mission and purpose for us!
Don't despair because of the state of the world today, and the purposely evil things people in power perpetrate upon others. God has a plan for all of us, and as Chaplain Cynthia always reminds us, "Keep on praying, y'all!"
Join us for our next service on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 11 a.m. For the link, please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org.