As I was traveling by car recently, I had the distinct pleasure of being in a traffic jam due to road construction. As residents of Michigan, we know how ubiquitous orange signs indicating a work zone are, and how frustrating it can be to have trip or commute delayed. That day as I was in traffic, I happened to actually see, and mentally register, one of the signs telling me that workers were present (and to slow down and be cautious). I was thinking about that sign: “workers present, slow down” and wondering if God has placed similar signs in our midst. In our recent sermon series and in our congregational bible study, No Experience Necessary, we have been focusing on the idea that God is present in our world and on a mission to save, bless, and renew. God is on a mission in the world, or put another way, God is at work among us. I truly believe that God works through ordinary people, like you and I, to accomplish God's mission in the world and that if we look for signs that God is at work, we can see them all around us. As we prepare in the days and weeks ahead to celebrate the season of Advent and Christmas, I encourage you to look back in scripture at the signs of God's work at the birth of Jesus(check out Matthew 1-2 or Luke 1-2). The amazing story of Jesus’ birth tells us how God came into the world in order to bless and save creation. God chose Mary, an ordinary person, to bear the Christ child. God’s mission came to reality through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but was made possible because of the willing faith of Mary. The story of Mary is amazing and inspiring, but as the angel shared the news with Mary he used the example of Elizabeth as a sign of God’s work.
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:34-37
Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, had become pregnant after never being able to have children. The angel tells Mary that Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a sign that God was at work, saying: “for just as God has performed a miracle for Elizabeth, God will work a miracle through you.” The angel helps Mary see how God was working and how she too was included in God’s plan to save and bless the world. Today the story of Mary tells us that everyone, even the least likely among us, is included in God’s plan and can be used by God to bless and save.
As I look in our midst, I see signs of God’s work among us at King of kings. The recent outpouring of love and support for the homeless in Detroit was inspiring (we filled over 5 boxes full of jackets and warm clothes). We have had people join our bible study who have never in their life read the bible. Each time we host an event new leaders step up to help. I hear powerful stories from many about what God is doing in their life, and how they have been able to help others. I see a community of God’s people worshipping and praising the Lord, seeking God’s presence, and striving to grow closer to God and one another. God is working in our lives, in our community, and in our church. God is at work, and workers are present all around us!
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