Pastor’s Letter

Dear Trinity Family and Friends,

Radical change can happen in an instant. Things can be plodding along in life when, all of a sudden, everything is changed and nothing is the same going
forward. Some of these changes are welcomed. Others are not. Radically new things can be more than just a little unsettling and stress-producing. Maybe “fear” is a good word to describe our reaction. But if you think some new course or direction in your life is scary to you, consider Mary, the Mother of our Lord. Suddenly in the midst of the usual course of things in her life, there comes a heavenly visitation and announcement that changes everything for her and for the whole world, through her. Having been highly favored by the Lord God, she is to give birth to the Son of God. What the angel Gabriel said to her he says to all, “Don’t be afraid.” God had chosen to deliver the world from sin and death not through a Messiah who would come in a blaze of glory, with trumpets blaring and cymbals clashing, with thunder and lightning from heaven, but through a child, her child, conceived in her womb, receiving humanity in the usual way, from the body of this humble woman.

The angel puts her at peace with this startling and world-changing announcement. Mary’s response to the angel shows that she has been moved from panic to peace as she says, ”I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” “Don’t be afraid” is the message to us too. The future would not unfold with ease and tranquility for her in her unique role as the Mother of the Son of God.

And what about our future? We don’t know. No one really does. It could seem rather ominous at times. But the angel says, “Don’t be afraid!” Those are
not just nice-sounding words. They are a promise. God promised and did, through Mary, what he had said he would do. “Nothing will be impossible with
God.” God has conceived, through the Holy Spirit, faith within us, faith in that very Son of God, Jesus, who is also the Son of Mary. We are undeserving of the Lord’s favor, but we can be at peace in knowing that we have it. God does have plans for us, for you. We, too, are here for a purpose. Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant.” That was her purpose. It is also ours. Whatever specific ways God may have for you to be that servant in serving God’s people may not be clearly known at this moment, but “don’t be afraid.” “The Lord is with you.” He will show the way. The angel’s message is very Good News indeed. Let’s celebrate that together this Sunday, the final Sunday of the Advent season.

"Don’t be afraid! The Lord is with you!”

Pastor Ron