At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are dedicated to living out our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” This mission is encapsulated in our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. Through studying to love and know God, sharing to know and love others, and serving as love in action, we strive to embody the transformative power of Christ in our lives. As we reflect on the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus, we find profound lessons that resonate with our mission and inspire us to trust in God’s perfect timing.
The Breaking of Silence: A New Beginning
The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary marked the end of a 400-year period of silence from God. This moment was the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise of a Messiah, as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” This promise of “God with us” was a beacon of hope for a people who had been waiting in anticipation and uncertainty.
Study: To Love and Know God
In times of waiting and uncertainty, studying God’s Word is crucial to deepening our understanding of His character and promises. Romans 8:24-25 reminds us, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” At Lakeview Christian Church, we prioritize studying the Scriptures to grow in our love and knowledge of God, trusting that His timing is always perfect.
Share: To Know and Love Others
Mary’s story is a powerful example of sharing God’s love and promises with others. Despite the unexpected and overwhelming news, Mary responded with faith and obedience, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Her willingness to embrace God’s plan inspires us to share our faith and love with those around us. By building relationships and sharing our stories, we can help others experience the hope and joy found in Christ.
Serve: Love in Action
The birth of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of love in action. God sent His Son into the world to save us, showing His love through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve others, reflecting His love through our actions. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting those in need, serving is a tangible expression of our faith. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to serving our community and being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Conclusion: Trusting in God’s Perfect Timing
The story of Mary and the birth of Jesus is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of His presence. As we embrace the promise of Emmanuel, we are called to be the change in our world, just as Jesus has changed us. Through studying, sharing, and serving, we can live out our mission and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we invite you to join us on this journey of faith and transformation. Together, let’s be the change as we study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve as love in action. Trust in God’s timing, for He is always at work, even in the silence.
