A Poor Girl Got It Right!
Once upon a time, the story goes, a poor girl was confronted with the biggest task in the history of humanity. She was to bear the long-expected Messiah; the person to liberate all God’s people. Unlike most teenagers, her answer; “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ (Luke 1:38). 

The name of the girl was Mary. She boldly accepted the challenge of bearing our Lord, whose birth is celebrated by millions of Christians across the globe. These words are at the heart of Christianity—they speak to the divine will for us that began with Mary’s divine obligation and mission—we are all instruments of the birth of Jesus today. God trusts us to be instruments of peace as we welcome the baby, whose name is, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His presence is reborn in every Christmas light we see in our neighborhood as we sing: 

Joy to the world! Lord is come: 
Let earth receive her King! 
Let every heart prepare him room 
And heaven and nature sing.

But how can we sing this hymn when 300,000 Americans are dead and millions more are at risk of dying from COVID 19? My childhood memory of Christmas is not Santa but singing carols through the night with my big sisters. At that time, I took it for granted they will always be there for me. Today, they are all gone, but still alive in my heart. 

Christmas speaks to the fact that God is the risk-taker—he chose a poor and inexperienced teenager to bring God’s son into this world. I have wondered why didn’t God find a better and experienced mother? The answer is that God knew that she was the right girl to carry the divine mission. The poor girl got it right. 

The pain of COVID 19, gun violence, and racism are real. We are living in hard times—COVID 19 can force into resignation. Yet God never gives upon us. Still in doubt? The baby’s name is Emmanuel, “God with us.” Emmanuel is present in every tear or blood drop that troubles the heart! Like Mary, let us allow God to direct us this Christmas, and propel us into participation in God’s mission next year. Remember, you are just a vessel to fulfill God’s mission. Christmas is a reminder that the impossible is possible.  

Rejoice that God is with us even in the darkest moments of our nation! Christmas is about God’s selfless love to the world, and Mary’s willingness to be an instrument of God’s love. This year, I invite you to emulate God in giving to the poor and all those who need our help. Don’t forget to renew your pledge too—as long as there is Christmas, we will be back in our buildings! 

Please join us for the Carol Service at 10am on December 27, 2020.

Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year,

Rev. Kapya Kaoma