Times are uncertain for churches these days.

Some blame the increasing force of secularism. Established churches once frequented by society’s elite, well accustomed to favored positions in society, have been knocked down more than a few pegs. Neighborhood churches, whose demographics may have dramatically shifted, fight for survival. 80% of North American churches are plateaued or declining. And we’re seeing much of the vibrancy in rehabbed warehouses, coffee houses, and church starts in unlikely places.

What’s God doing? Has the Almighty sent an angel of disruption to the North American church? Could the forces working to confuse and unsettle be from on high?

This Sunday we hear about an angelic visitation that does something similarly disruptive. 13 year old Mary is greeted by the angel Gabriel. She hears unsettling news from this messenger of God, who proclaims Mary is favored and blessed. Yet upon seeing him her first reaction, which departs noticeably from the biblical norm, is not fear, but a sense of wonder.

The text tells us Mary was perplexed and pondered as Gabriel explained the even more bazaar aspects of God’s plans for her and the world. Yet faced with a life-altering, paradigm-shifting announcement the young girl did not recoil, shrink back, or even flinch - she calmly uttered three of the most memorable words in all of Scripture, ‘let it be…’

As you and I muddle through the desperate fears on Planet Unpredictable, the temptation to react with fear is monolithic. And we know that fear leads to control, alienation, and confusion. We do much better to respond with faith – trusting that the Lord is up to something, that God IS in control, and there is a reason. In this Advent season of wonder, how might we move past the fear and move toward amazement at the possibility that God is up to something - and it’s all going to be OK?

Reading

Generation Ex-Christian – Drew Dyck

Living Your Strengths – Al Winesman

The Pastor – Eugene Peterson