A Song for the Forgotten

Jeremy Duncan

Dec 7

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Scriptures: Luke 1:5-13

Sermon Summary

In the second sermon of Advent, Jeremy explores the Benedictus, Zechariah’s song found in Luke 1. He begins by reflecting on the emotional power of music, especially at Christmas, as a way to hold both the simplicity and depth of the season. Then he looks at Zechariah’s story of fear and silence, which are aspects of the season that many experience. Jeremy emphasizes that God is attentive to our hidden pain, challenging the idea that suffering is a sign of disfavour. He encourages us to trust in a God who listens—making space for honest hope before calling us to celebration.

Why Songs: Jeremy reflects on the role of music during Advent and Christmas. He emphasizes how songs help us express both the magnitude and intimacy of the season’s story. He suggests that music becomes a way to internalize hope, connect with memory, and prepare for deeper spiritual reflection.

Dark Nights: There’s and emotional weight that often accompanies the season, for so many. Things like grief, loneliness, or unmet expectations. Jeremy reminds us that the Christmas story includes space for struggle, highlighting Zechariah’s fear and silence as part of the narrative, not an exception to it.

Hidden Spaces: Jeremy looks at Elizabeth and Zechariah’s childlessness and how internalized shame and unmet desires can shape our view of God and of ourselves. He challenges transactional understandings of faith, offering instead a vision of a God who listens to what we hide and affirms our worth in the midst of it.

Renewed Hope: Jeremy argues that Zechariah’s song emerges not from the resolution of his difficulties but from the assurance that God is present with him. Jeremy emphasizes that genuine celebration begins with the conviction that God’s promises are for us, even when we struggle to believe it.

Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.
Connect: Zechariah’s story doesn’t shy away from those harder feelings which are often wrapped up in the joyous time of Christmas. The season contains both.
Q: What’s your favourite part of the Christmas season, whether from your religious background, family traditions, or cultural experience, that helps you deal with some of the tough emotions that might accompany Christmastide?
Share: The Christmas story and all the joyful messaging can at times, as Jeremy put it, feel claustrophobic. As we see with Zechariah, this might be especially true for members of our community, neighbours, and friends for whom the season brings up fears, reminders of grief, or other struggles.
Q: How can you, while thinking of your fellow community members, create a little more space for the Zechariahs in your life who are carrying grief, anxiety, or disconnection during this season?
Reflect: Reflect on the hidden spaces of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s life that God sees.
Q: Are there assumptions you’ve internalized—like Zechariah or Elizabeth—that still affect your sense of worth or belonging?
Q: What changes when you consider that God listens even to the parts of you that feel unseen or unspoken?
Engage: Engage with the idea of hope that begins with being heard, not with having the answers. Consider Jeremy’s words on Zechariah’s fear,
“Zechariah, you don’t need to be afraid; your prayers have been heard.
Sometimes, more than we are afraid for our reputations,
more than we are afraid for our relationships,
sometimes, even more than we are afraid of being hurt all over again,
what we really fear is that no one is listening.”
Q: What would it look like to help someone else feel heard this Advent, especially before offering advice or resolution?
Take away: What is your takeaway from the message or today’s conversation?
Prayer from the sermon:
God of coming love,
Giver of glorious, simple, and unexpected gifts.
As we walk through this season of waiting
anticipating the coming of Jesus in the stark, simple stable of Bethlehem,
May we cast aside our anxiety and busyness and the pressure to smile.
And instead, open ourselves
to the profound presence of your son with us today.
Help us to be quiet enough to hear your voice.
Yet, eager enough to catch every word of grace.
For those of us who have heard this story one too many times,
for those of us who may have lost that childlike sense of anticipation for this season;
would you help us to look past the decorations,
and through the obligations;
would you help us to reach past hurts and disappointments,
and disenchantment,
in order to hear the voice of your spirit that calls joy back in to the world.
In the precious name of Jesus,
whose coming we await:
we pray,
Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 27
MUSIC Curated by Rebecca Santos
Hillsong Worship - Noel
All Sons & Daughters - God With Us
Royal Anthems - Turn Your Eyes
Hillsong Worship - O Holy Night

ADVENT LITURGY: PEACE
Written by Bobbi Salkeld
Today is the second week in the season of Advent.
Today we focus our hearts on a holy announcement – the declaration that a new revolution is dawning. A revolution centred on peace.
This is peace that subverts corrupt power structures.
Peace that prefers the least popular.
Peace that comes in the night with a song of comfort for you.
Today we light the second Advent candle: the candle of peace.
[Light the “peace” candle]

Let us pray.
Advent God,
We know we cannot have the world you promise without the approach of your peace.
This Advent, we welcome the revolution of your peace and the never-ending life we find in you.
Where there is insecurity, will you bring your peace.
Where there is scarcity, will you bring your peace.
Where there is fear, bring your peace.
AMEN.

SERIES BUMPER
Advent The Musical