This week we are experiencing how joy is present in Advent. I encourage you to read this entry from Gretchen Thomas that is in our Advent Devotional from this week. Her words are so intentional, and allow us to picture Mary, Jesus, our global partner in Russia, and others in a very healthy and fruitful way.
“In the months leading up to Jesus’s birth, Mary prepared herself, her husband, and her home to welcome a son that she knows to be the Son of God. It’s safe to say that most do not expect God to come knocking with the ask of bringing His child into the world. But, Mary fully embraced this role through her trust in God. In the late summer of 2017, I decided, almost flippantly, that I would travel to Russia to visit our brothers and sisters in Samara. I felt I was meant to be there. At the time, I didn’t know the months between would become a major transitional time in my life. One dream was being given up for the sake of another, or moreso, one calling. From that moment until we touched down on a cold January night, I felt God’s love settle firmly into my heart and I trusted, much like Mary.
As Jesus was born, in the most unexpected location for such a miracle to happen, many rejoiced. As the scripture reads in Matthew 2:11-12, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” In such a sacred moment, the magi greeted Mary with utmost hospitality and protected the sacredness of the deep love that comes from God.
In a very similar way, in my moment of transition in life when I needed to listen closely to where God was calling me, the people of Samara welcomed me with endless warm tea and coffee, hugs, laughter, and most of all, their reverence for discovering the power of belief in Jesus. To be like Mary is to be like Samara. Warm, spirited, full of love, and never, ever wavering in trust that God’s arms are always taking care to guide us where we need to be should we have faith and know that he is there.”
I am looking forward to being with you on Sunday as we explore this Scripture further. Blessings on your week!