Can we be an unexpected church?

Can we be unexpected neighbors?

Can we ask God to use us to share His love in unexpected ways?

As a church family, we spent our walk toward Christmas embracing Pastor Hannah’s call to “Expect the Unexpected” as we re-visited the Christmas story.

In our Advent Bible study, we shared a devotional called “Unexpected Jesus” and followed Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as they moved in unexpected ways from Genesis through Revelation.

Among the unexpected moments, we saw angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds “keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Those living and working literally on the farthest borders of society received the first invitation.

The shepherds created their own moment of unexpectedness when the angels departed and the darkness returned. They gathered, encouraged each other, and decided to run to the manger. It wasn’t a commandment to hurry to Bethlehem. It was their response to the news.

After spending time with the child, the shepherds made another unexpected decision. They spread the word. There was no commandment to share the good news. It was their response.

As you read this, late December or early January, we have heard the Good News again. We have been to the manger. What is our response? Let’s walk into 2023 looking for unexpected avenues to connect and share.

On January 1, as the sun sets at around 5:04 pm, from wherever you are, with whomever wants to join you, join us in lifting a prayer asking Our Lord for more of His Light as we seek unexpected opportunities to share His Love.

Lord, show us how to invite in unexpected ways. Show us how to include in unexpected ways. Show us how to serve in unexpected ways. Show us how to provide in unexpected ways. Show us how to listen in unexpected ways. Show us how to love in unexpected ways.

Lord, show us how to worship in unexpected ways. Show us how to do children’s ministry and youth ministry in unexpected ways. Show us how to give in unexpected ways. Show us how to connect with our seniors in unexpected ways. Show us how to connect with our communities, our schools, and our workplaces in unexpected ways.

In “Unexpected Jesus,” author Anna Robbins said, “The things He cares about are now ours to care about, too.”

Jesus cares in unexpected ways. He met people in unexpected places. We can join Him. Let’s reach beyond the expected and pray that He leads us to find new ways to share His Love in 2023.