SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 24, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Mary was probably no more than fourteen. She is not characterized as “righteous” in her religious observances. She is not visited in holy surroundings in the metropolis of Jerusalem. We can presume the angel Gabriel finds her in humble circumstances in the insignificant northern village called Nazareth. But Gabriel tells Mary she has found favor with God, that she will conceive a son and name him Jesus, and that he will rule a dynasty, fulfilling all the ancient expectations for a Jewish Messiah. Wow. What are we to think? Are we just to accept this narrative? Are we to be the heralds of this craziness? Well, what else could we report? Does our faith hinge on the science and possibility/probability of a human virgin birth? We are told nothing is impossible with God. How much does it matter to you? How much does it matter to Jesus?

This Sunday we won’t attempt to reduce the mystery and wonder of holy revelation. We’ll observe the courage of a young girl, the confidence of our maker, the reality of the miraculous, and the promise that we are not alone.

Ah, the wonder –

See you in worship!