First Sunday of Advent: December 1, 2024

“‘And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’” – Luke 1:45

Illustration by Caroline Brown (Age 7)

During the Advent season. I often find myself reflecting on the first chapter of Luke. In it, Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel, who, much to her disbelief, tells her she will bear the Son of God and name him Jesus. After she receives the news, she visits her cousin Elizabeth, who proclaims that the child in her womb leaped for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting, knowing she carried the Son of God. Elizabeth continued, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’’

It sometimes feels impossible, doesn’t it? Believing in yourself and what God has planned for you and your family? Mary is a constant reminder to us that it’s OK to not understand and to not know “for sure.” It’s OK to trust in a plan that you might not be able to see quite yet – if ever at all.

I consider myself immensely blessed to work at SMPC because I have found a group of people who believe in the fulfillment of what was spoken to them by God. Each staff member comes to the table with unique, God-given gifts that are made even richer when interlaced with the beautiful work of our church members, visitors and volunteers. I am constantly in awe of the faith, service, love and fellowship that shine from this place.

No one has all the answers to what the future holds or why God has called us here, but guess what? We’re still here! And we believe and trust in what God has planned. And when we have those days when the trust feels rusty, inspiration is lagging, and the calling is no more than a faint whisper (because…life), we have each other to lift us and carry our load until we’re ready to pick it back up. That’s the beauty of this remarkable faith community, and that’s what we can look forward to if we just keep saying “yes” to God’s calling.

Lord, we ask that you open our eyes and ears to you this Advent season. May we believe in what we hear and see and be ready, like Mary, to go out into the world, together, ready to say “yes.” Amen

Cheryl Perry
SMPC Director of Communications

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