Hey Church Fam,

I’ve never driven a car in a race. No grand prix, street races, or such things for me. But I have driven on Michigan roads in the winter and played Mario Kart (which, on particularly snowy days, are basically the same thing). So I know that quick, abrupt turns can be challenging. Redirecting that inertia requires skill, finesse, and concentration. Our recent sermon series have provided some sharp right turns. In December we looked at the prophetic Servant Songs in Isaiah which foretold the coming of Jesus. In our first sermon of the New Year, Rick spoke about the practice of lament. And yesterday, Kyle kicked off our series on the heart of mission. I feel a bit of whiplash just writing that.

But as disjointed as these may appear, I see hope as a throughline that connects them all. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we simultaneously sit in hope that has been fulfilled and hope that is to come. Our hope, which flows from God’s grace, allows us to engage in lament without being overcome by it. And finally, because we have such a great hope, we can joyfully join in God’s mission in this world.

As we navigate these different facets of hope, let me pass on to you a tip for navigating sharp turns that has served me well both in Mario Kart, and in life: lean in. When making sharp turns, inertia wants to keep us on the trajectory we were going; if you don’t lean into the turn you risk toppling over. Embrace the change of direction, and ask the Lord for strength to sit in the tension of hope,  holding to the promise, pain, and joy of the already-but-not-yet that is at the core of the Christian faith.

Steveie, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team