December 2016 “From the Desk of…” Archive:

When New Life Shows Up In Unexpected Ways and Unexpected Places

For the week of December 19th, 2016

It is normal for new life to be found in nature in the spring of each year. It is normal for new life to spring up from the ground where seeds have fallen or been planted in previous seasons. It is even normal for new life to be fostered and nurtured in a controlled environment and then planted in places that have been prepared for them ahead of time. But, for new life to spring up in the middle of that which is considered to have lost its vitality and usefulness…that is not normal. Of is it? Is it possible that this phenomenon is also normal, but that we have just become blind to its occurrence because we think we understand life cycles, or we’ve lost faith in what God can do and continues to do every day in our lives and in our communities?

What better time than Christmas to remember just how incredible God is, and how time and again God brings about the unexpected in unexpected ways and places. Chances are that most of the conversation in your life during this season centers around the expected…buying, giving and receiving gifts; holiday office parties; family traditions; favorite movies or Christmas Carols… but what about the unexpected event that started this whole “Christmas” thing in the first place? What about the hope that came to life in the most unexpected way…born of a virgin … in a stable?

Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate…but more importantly, a time to remember and celebrate a story of unexpected things happening in unexpected ways and unexpected places.

As we celebrate Christ’s birth in the days ahead, I pray that we will also consider this…What unexpected things is God trying to give birth to in the Chicago USA Mission Center and its congregations…in the hearts and lives of those who are the Community of Christ? In the season where “I Believe” is used in many contexts, consider what it is you BELIEVE God can do in and through you and me as we seek to live out Christ’s mission.

Merry Christmas! May you know God’s blessings in abundance this season and always!
Blake
 
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