Kindred in Christ,

The above image is a depiction of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45) by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman. After saying, “Let it be,” both women find themselves in a place they never thought possible. Mary assumed she could not become pregnant because she was a virgin, and Elizabeth assumed she could not become pregnant because she was too old. What assumptions do you carry with you this season?

When we assume we know what we will get for Christmas, it often robs the joy of opening the gift.  Likewise, the joy of our spiritual journey comes when we are open to being surprised by God. For our assumptions of how God works, who is in and who is out, and how things will end, often hinder us in all kinds of ways. Yet the antidote to assumption is always surprise!

Join us as we continue our Advent series Shadow and Light and reflect further upon the surprise of Christ’s incarnation in Mary and in us today. See you on Facebook Live!

Rev. Paul Ortiz