For nothing will be impossible with God. — Luke 1:37
Heroes and superheroes abound in popular culture today. Spider Man, Wonder Woman, and a variety of beings with ever more fantastic powers fill our movie and television screens.
There are many heroes in the Christmas story as well. Mary was certainly brave to say to God's angel, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Joseph, likewise, risked possible disgrace by marrying a woman carrying a child not his own. The shepherds did not run from the chorus of angels, but stayed to hear the news of Christ's birth and then ran to share the news with others. The visitors from the East bravely ignored Herod's wishes and returned to their homes by another road, rather than reveal the Christ Child's location.
Many of my personal heroes, filled with the power of God's love and grace, are found in my South Main church family. I have seen parents lose beloved children and children lose beloved parents, and yet they live through their grief without bitterness. I've wondered how a spouse could ever go on with their life after the death of their loved one of many years, but they do. I've watched my fellow church members care for a spouse or parent with love and kindness for years, all the while with a smile on their faces. I've seen my friends struggle with business setbacks, concern for children, and, recently, the loss of homes and property with an abiding faith and resolve.
The heroes in my church family are an inspiration to me, and I cannot imagine my life without them and all of my church family. I have been richly blessed by these everyday heroes, who have modeled God's love and grace for me and many others.
Dear God, thank you for the heroes of the Christmas story and for my church family and its heroes. During Advent and always, I am grateful to be a part of this faith community and grateful for your grace in sending your Son. Amen.
Linda Gardner and her husband, Spencer, have been members of South Main for 30+ years. Currently Linda serves on the Discipleship Committee and is a Community Leader in the Fellowship of Young Families.
