Mary’s Corner

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Greetings to all in this 2024 Advent season,

I am thankful beyond words that I don’t have to sit and wait and wonder if the Messiah is coming to save us. I am grateful for this tradition of following Jesus Christ, God made flesh and dwelling among us. I’m grateful that this faith tradition survived the Roman Empire. I am thrilled that this faith tradition has survived all the empires for the last 2,000 years.

Paul tried to tell us in Romans 8:38-39:
“In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I’m sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Common English Version).

And because nothing can separate us, we must be certain to make the way clear and smooth for those who are oppressed and marginalized in our society. There must be a clear path to God’s love, visible in our actions in this world. We know that this is a story older than storytelling, the story of oppression. We also know that love always wins.

We have a lot of events happening at our church over the next few weeks. Beginning this Saturday morning, we will be decorating the church. The fun will start at 9:00 AM. Brian and Danny are going to do the heavy lifting this week, getting everything out of storage and putting the Christmas tree up. The rest needs to be completed by people with “artistic skill,” per Brian and Danny. I may have to work at the hospital on Saturday and so will be unable to attend. If I am not working, I will see you there at 9:30.

This Sunday and every Sunday until the Christmas show, the children will be practicing their Christmas presentation. If you have small children or even preteens, please make sure they’re in church on Sundays at 11:00 AM.

Other events are as follows:

  • Thursday, Dec. 12th @ 11:30 AM: Ladies of Saint Matthew Luncheon
  • Friday, Dec. 13th @ 6:00 PM: Annual Monreal Sisters Enchilada Dinner @ St. Matthew. A sign-up sheet will be available Sunday morning to reserve your spot. The cost is $12 per plate, $20 per couple.
  • Sunday, Dec. 15th @ 2:30 – 5:30 PM: Christmas Open House at the Brennan Home.
  • Saturday, Dec. 21st @ 6:00 PM: The Christmas Concert with dinner and Santa
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24th @ 6:00 PM: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

As we finish another year together, I pray for peace and blessings in your life.

Mary

Kids’ News

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Things are getting exciting for our kids as Christmas approaches! There’s so much to do, and we’re preparing for a special season.

As we begin Advent, we learn about Elizabeth and Zechariah. They were an older couple with no children, and they thought they were too old to have a baby. But one day, an angel appeared to Zechariah with amazing news—he and Elizabeth would have a son! The angel said their baby would be named John and that he would grow up to help people get ready for Jesus.

Zechariah was shocked and had a hard time believing the angel. Because of his doubt, the angel told Zechariah he wouldn’t be able to speak until the baby was born. And that’s exactly what happened! When their son, John, was born, Zechariah’s voice returned, and he praised God.

This story reminds us that God has a plan, even when it seems impossible. John the Baptist grew up to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus, and we’re reminded to do the same as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Our kids are also working on a special Christmas surprise for you. We hope to see you all in church this Sunday!

God’s Intervention in History: A Decree Went Out

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Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Register your attendance

Luke 2:1-5 New International Version

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Friday’s Word: First Sunday of Advent

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In the midst of the disaster that has come upon us, there are some things we must remember.

This is still God’s world.

And God, too, has intentions for us as individuals and for the world.

And God does intervene.

I cannot talk of God’s grand design. But I know a thousand stories of God’s intervention in individual lives.

This is from Rosemary Thornton, author of Remembering the Light.

One night when I was 22, I was driving on a dark road with a light rain falling. Visibility was poor.

I had an old car, and the defroster didn’t work too well.

I wasn’t going very fast, but I heard a voice urgently demand that I stop the car.

I ignored it at first.

But the second time, the voice was yelling and said, “Stop the car now!”

I didn’t know what was happening, but I slammed on the brakes. The car stopped immediately.

I put it in park and exited the vehicle. Less than two feet in front of the car stood a tiny toddler in only a diaper and looking very frightened.

I scooped him up in my arms and moved to the side of the road and stood in the rain, holding him close as I figured out what to do next.

Rosemary says that’s when the child’s mother ran from a nearby house, screaming and crying. She had fallen asleep on the couch and awoke to find her baby gone.

God, too, has intentions.

God does intervene to work God’s will.

We are, at all times, loved, watched over, cared for. That’s my comfort in hard times. Be encouraged.

Trust God.