Mary, Mary, she was not contrary! Mary is a visible sign of what it can look like for human beings to follow your will, Lord. When the angel Gabriel appeared and told her the great tidings that would forever change her life, complicate her upcoming wedding, and break her heart as she witnessed her son die on the cross, Mary said yes. She did not qualify her yes, ask for a second opinion, or bargain. Help us, Lord. Help us, when life gets complicated, the needs of the moment overwhelm us, and when things seem to be spiraling out of control. Help us say yes to You, even if it means no to our convenience or comfort levels because You have a gift to give to us and through us, the gift of life and hope. We are forever grateful that Mary said yes, and we want to be more like her. Lord, forgive us, we feel so put upon. We feel so helpless we forget our willingness and fumble at our commitment, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Generosity Begins With an Open Hand
December 19, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Mary, Mary, she was not contrary! Mary is a visible sign of what it can look like for human beings to follow your will, Lord. When the angel Gabriel appeared and told her the great tidings that would forever change her life, complicate her upcoming wedding, and break her heart as she witnessed her son die on the cross, Mary said yes. She did not qualify her yes, ask for a second opinion, or bargain. Help us, Lord. Help us, when life gets complicated, the needs of the moment overwhelm us, and when things seem to be spiraling out of control. Help us say yes to You, even if it means no to our convenience or comfort levels because You have a gift to give to us and through us, the gift of life and hope. We are forever grateful that Mary said yes, and we want to be more like her. Lord, forgive us, we feel so put upon. We feel so helpless we forget our willingness and fumble at our commitment, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In the Beginning
December 12, 2020 • Rev. Tommy Markham
Lord, we are in the season of Advent. We are thinking about everything but what Advent is all about. We are coming close to hating what is happening around us. We need forgiveness for trying to not think about the suffering world. We search for the right gifts, almost ignoring the Gift You have given us. Lord, get us on course, that we can put Jesus back in the center.
Expect the Unexpected
December 5, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
As we contemplate your birth, Lord Jesus, we cannot help but marvel at how many prophecies You fulfilled in such a short time. All the pieces that had to come together, and all the people who had to say “yes,” “no,” or “I don’t know,” to make it happen in your perfect timing is astonishing to consider. We do not often see your hand orchestrating our lives, when we look back, we see your grace moving through all our pain and confusion. Help us, in these days, to trust your Almighty hand. You are giving us grace to carry out your will, even now, even if we do not see what You are doing. Open our hearts to trust, our minds to believe, and our hands to receive Your grace, even today! Forgive us Lord for not thinking deeply into your interaction in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Behind and Before
November 29, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Lord, as we prepare to celebrate your birth, we put out lights, trees, decorations, and we want that feeling of being cozy in our spaces. We try to push all the fears we have to the back of our minds – Covid-19, political problems, world problems, personal, church, and family problems. Many of these things are out of our control, but they seem to pursue us from dawn to night. As the season of Advent unfolds, may we recognize Jesus not only as the baby in the cradle, but especially as the Lord of all creation. Teach us to bring all those problems, all those people, all those worries to you in our prayers and petitions, because you are powerful, mighty, and the Savior of the world! You are working through us (and sometimes despite us) to bring relief to those who suffer, hope to those who fear, justice to those who are oppressed, and love to all who will receive love. May we receive you as Lord over all creation, and especially over our individual lives, and follow your lead in all things. When we come to celebrate your birth, we will be ready to receive your grace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
