In this Advent/Christmas season, we contemplate the past year, celebrate the good and deep gift of God’s son Jesus, and examine afresh our yearning for Christ’s return. After a year like 2020, my words of encouragement this month do not contain suggestions for teaching and learning better let alone how to forge through a pandemic. Instead, may I remind you that we have a God who loves us, who entered our world, and who invites us into a life with Him.
In rereading the familiar nativity stories, I am reminded to just say “yes” to God’s promptings, declarations, or even bold calls. In the early gospel chapters, there are many who said “yes” and thus experienced God’s magnificence:
