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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
I can’t say why, but this year, more than most, the celebration of Christmas seems just a little bit nearer to me. Perhaps it is because that the past two Christmas celebrations have been somewhat curtailed by the pandemic. Maybe it is because the year 2021 presented a few challenges to my faith. Or perhaps it is due to a cloudy outlook into the future that many people envision because of uncertain times. Regardless, this year I find myself in earnest reflection of the Christmas narrative and the miracle surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus.
Think of it, a young woman – a girl actually – pure and innocent, a virgin, suddenly finding herself “with child” by the power of the Holy Spirit. Dear Mary, whom the church would later recognize as “theotokos” or “the God-bearer” she would face so many challenges at a tender young age that most women would likely shy away from. Mary most likely faced harsh ridicule from those who knew her best. “How could you become pregnant outside of marriage?” How could you bring shame upon your family…upon Joseph with such behavior?” No, in these instances, young Mary was alone in her predicament. How could she convince people the child within her was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit? Truly, how could she convince Joseph? Only because God sent the angel Gabriel to Joseph in a dream did he become privy to God’s plan to send his Son into the World through such humble means.
As servants of the Lord, Mary and Joseph submitted to the will and desire of our Holy and Mighty God. Perhaps because of their humbleness and willingness God found reason to choose them to be the instruments of his good will toward mankind.
Think of Joseph. He was a man who worked with his hands. Scripture tells us that he was a faithful and just man, one who took into consideration his love and concern for others. Joseph is a good example for today’s men to follow. When presented with challenges in relationships with others, we can look to Joseph, doing well to handle them quietly, faithfully, compassionately. When called to serve according to God’s will, even when the situation is difficult, we can see in Joseph a willing spirit and an eager obedience to follow.
And think of Mary, the things she had to experience for herself. There was no midwife to help her deliver and care for her child. No warm water in which to bathe the child. No light, no warmth, only a cold manger for a bed and rags in which to wrap the babe in so he wouldn’t shiver. Who showed this poor girl what to do in such circumstances? Who was there to guide her, encourage her? No one but God, and Mary placed her complete faith and trust in him.
I believe that such reflection upon the birth of our Lord serves us well as we look to God’s unfailing love for his people. Christmas is a time when we can take a long look at our faith and life. What sweeter picture can there be other than a young mother’s glance beaming down upon her first child even as he was born into such a harsh environment? Loving eyes looking upon a helpless child, dependent upon his mother for everything.
It is the same picture of love we see as we consider our heavenly Father’s glance beaming down upon his precious children whom he saved from sin and death through the miracle of this baby born of Mary. We sinful human beings are brought into a right relationship through the child conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. This truly is the greatest gift of all. God’s loving eyes looking upon his people who are helpless and powerless against the powers that would defy God’s goodness, mercy, and grace.
As we sojourn into the approaching Advent and Christmas seasons, I would pray that we all could do so in quiet reflection upon the images of Christ’s nativity. Take in the picture of the holy family. Make them a part of who we are as God’s people gathered here. May we all share the love, peace, and miracle of the Nativity of our Lord.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:4-5
As you begin reading this month’s article, I would ask you to first consider a few questions which I believe will provide perspective and a framework for reflection. When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you? Really, when was the last time you actually became still, and you were able to hear God’s voice? What was your response? In that instance when you felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit and heard God’s voice calling and inviting you to take part in his work, what did you do?
I am usually amazed at what God can do each time I am invited into difficult and stressful situations in the life of someone whom I am called to minister. Through-out my ministry, I have had my share of extraordinary and difficult moments. There have been many times when God called me to a place I’d rather not go. Suddenly, in those instances, I felt a bit like Moses when he saw the burning bush. My thoughts would sometimes turn into self-doubt. “What makes me so special that they should listen to me?” “What if I don’t have the ability to do what is required?” “What good can come out of my simply being there?”
We all know Moses as one of the central characters of the Old Testament narrative, yet before he became such a key figure, he could have been best described as someone who was lacking in confidence and filled with doubt. He was born a slave but raised in the house of Pharaoh and later rejected by even his own people. He had to flee Egypt because he killed a guard. When God finally got Moses’ attention, he was but a shepherd tending a flock that wasn’t even his own. God’s call wasn’t extended in dramatic fashion. There were no lightning bolts or loud claps of thunder. Instead, God used the sight of a burning bush.
This is where Moses gives us one of those great theological movements. Instead of sitting there with a puzzled look on his face, Moses turns aside. Turning aside is one of those things we learn about in seminary. Turning aside means dropping what you are doing, forgetting what you are thinking about so that you can look and listen for God. Moses turned aside in order to pay attention and noticed that this bush was not consumed by the flames. Moses turned aside and heard God. Yet, even turning aside isn’t always enough.
When God called Moses, his response was to the effect of “Who am I but a poor shepherd, uneducated in your ways and incapable of eloquent speech?” With each excuse Moses was able to conjure up, God promised to do more than simply meet his needs. Fast forwarding several thousand years, we may be quick to offer the same excuses when God calls us to ministry. “Who am I that I should be of help?” “I’m not qualified, send someone else.” “In this instance, I don’t believe I have what it takes.” I’m not up to the challenge…am I?” Often, at times we sound just like Moses, yet God still takes the time to bless us with the gift of the Holy Spirit and walk with us into the dark valley. Our calling as Jesus’ disciples is simply to go and let God be God.
The burning bushes are out there in our midst. God continually calls his people to action using the most ordinary of means but spotting those burning bushes takes patience and it takes practice. If we are not listening for God, if we are not paying at-tention, we might not recognize a burning bush when we see one. As we go about our busy day, Christian folk need to be actively looking and listening for God. We need to be tuned in to the burning bushes in our midst, always remembering that as we are called to ministry, God is with us and provides what is needed to do his will.
So again, I ask the questions that I have considered these last few weeks. When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you? When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen? What was your response? I pray that God will fill you with his presence and power as you hear him calling you to greater discipleship. For he who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians. 5:24.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila