Merry Christmas!

In small and unexpected ways, I am seeing the Christmas story with new eyes. Six months ago, Sierra and I learned that God was calling our family to serve a new church. With deep prayers—and tears that came easily—we stepped toward what God was calling us to, even as we said goodbye to what we had known. For months, we traveled toward a new place without knowing where we would stay, where our girls would go to school, or how all the pieces would come together. It was a long journey, even though it was only an hour’s drive. We trusted what God was doing—still do—but faith does not erase the unknown. We were walking straight into it.

I know Mary and Joseph felt something similar. Yes, they accepted the call. But their yes also meant pressure. Uncertainty. The weight of a calling they could not fully see. They knew only a small piece of what lay ahead, and yet they stepped forward with grace, carrying both faith and doubt in the same hands.

There is a moment in Luke 1:36–38 that continually draws me in. Gabriel finishes his message. Mary responds with courage and trust. And then the angel leaves her. The order matters. Gabriel speaks. Mary answers. And only then does Gabriel go. It seems Gabriel waits—waits on Mary’s word, waits as long as she needs—until her answer is truly her own.

For Mary, for my family, and I’ll dare say for you as well, this is the good news: we follow a God who invites. God does not force or rush, but calls us into holy work with open hands. God invites us to see the dream being born in the world and asks us where we might step into it. So my gentle encouragement is this: don’t linger too long at the edge of the invitation. Take the time you need—but choose to step forward. Say yes to God’s call in your life. It is frightening. And it is beautiful.

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The Margesons wish you a very Merry Christmas. We are deeply grateful for the love God has shown us through you. We are praying for you, and we look ahead with hope—trusting that God will birth something life-changing through our shared faithfulness.

Will you Pray with me?

As we dig into the celebrations of this Christmas season I’m praying we all see the invitation that calls us. These words by Ruth Duck are a helpful guide to that reflection:

We praise you, hidden God,

that in Jesus Christ you have come to us to speak your Word of love and life.

Touch us with unearthly joy, like the singing of angels;

fill us with wonder, like the eyes of children;

teach us to humble ourselves before you, like the worshipping magi.

May our journey to the manger be only the beginning of a lifetime of service to Jesus our Christ.

Amen.

“Listening is the first act of loving.”

Steph