Pastor’s Notes 12/20/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way… –Matthew 1:18

“In her song, Mary honors her God who mirrors the life her son will live: lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry, coming to the aid of God’s people, bringing down the powerful, sending the rich away empty, and scattering the proud… Mary is on the verge of delivering God's depth and beauty into the world; God will be embodied by a child. Mary, the earthly mother of our incarnate God, can see it. She can see hope, justice, and right relationships. In the Magnificat, she speaks the way of God into being, just before Jesus is born. Like my mother whispering in my ear when I was a child, calling forth whom I shall become, Mary speaks her dreams into existence.” —from the artist’s statement for “Magnify” | @sanctifiedart

On the fourth Sunday of Advent we will light the candle of Love and wonder with the Christmas story around the theme, “Hope is Worth the Risk.” Our Tuesday Bible Study group has prepared a very special Christmas pageant for us as the characters around the Nativity story come to life and reflect to the first Christmas and the ways they stepped out in faith to witness the Messiah enter into the world.

Mary risked her reputation, her relationships, and her future to say “yes” to God’s call. Joseph took the risk of trust, choosing to embrace Mary and the child she carried despite the uncertainty. The shepherds left their flocks behind to run toward a message of good news, risking what little they had for the chance to see the light of the world. The Magi journeyed from distant lands, risking danger and defying a king’s wrath, all to bow before a newborn King.

A beast of burden carried the load and saw the depth of human love at its finest. Even the star, steady and unyielding, risked being unseen as it shone brightly to guide seekers to the hope of the world. Each character played a part in this story of divine risk and ultimate hope, stepping into uncertainty with faith that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

Their stories remind us that hope is not passive; it requires action, courage, and trust in God’s presence. It calls us to move forward, even when the path seems unclear, knowing that Emmanuel—God with us—walks beside us. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve at 4 pm!

Brett