First spoken to Zachariah by the angel Gabriel, these words speak to us also: “Stand back and watch, God’s going to do something here!” Things happen in God’s presence.

Gathered at the font, kneeling at the table, or reading the Word, we “stand” in the presence of our almighty God. We “stand” with the people we meet in baptism, communion, church sacred spaces, and even secular communities.

Along with Zachariah, Mary, and Gabriel, we “stand” in the presence of God, given a life altering message to share. We “stand” in God’s presence not in fear, but in grace, celebrating and sharing the good news of salvation found in our promised Savior, God’s Son, Jesus. STAND!