“The unexpected and the rejected bring you Christmas.”

Advent has begun, and Christmas is on the horizon. This season we embrace the longing, the groaning, the waiting, and the hope of Christ’s entrance into time and space. Jesus’ birth came during a time of uncertainty. There was a census being taken, Herod became paranoid that there was a baby being called “King of the Jews,” and the Roman empire was amassing more power. All of these things did not stop hope from bursting onto the scene. For us to better experience the Christmas story, we need to look at all sides of the characters in light of Christ’s birth. Unexpected and rejected people were invited to be a part of a story of redemption. The son of God did not turn away from humanity or the world.  Instead, he willingly gave of himself to become human and live alongside creation. He came into the world as a vulnerable baby in the line of King David. This Advent and Christmas seasons will be told to us through the people that witnessed and were involved at the birth of Jesus Christ. Stories of Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Herod, the shepherds, Anna, Simeon, and the other unexpected folks. God worked with humanity to tell his story. I hope that during this time together we experience the comfort of beloved traditions and be open to the work of the Holy Spirit to find new meaning. It is the beginning of the year after all. Let us make room to experience the love of Christ that comes to us as a child born into the world that promises to come again. So this year, the unexpected and rejected bring you Christmas (and Advent).

Bible Study will resume in January. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to not only learn but engage with God’s Word and the work of other faithful Christians.

Pastor Joy