Mark 1:1-8

Mark 1:1-8 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Matthew and Luke both begin their Gospels with the Christmas narrative.  Mark does not -- he begins with John the Baptist, announcing the coming of Jesus' public ministry.  Only in the reading of the other Gospels do we get a more full picture of Jesus.  The Gospels work together to enrich our understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus.
  In the same way, the church works together.  There are people who have been in church since they were in the womb, hearing sermons every year of their lives, constantly inhaling the aroma of church life.  Their story is one of endurance and faithfulness and ongoing education.  There are others who start their Christian narrative later in life, often meeting Jesus through the ministry and service of a faithful friend.  Their story is one of awakening, of seeing life for the first time through new eyes, of renewed energy.
  These stories, and the countless other stories that make up the life of the church, combine to weave a rich tapestry of grace.  God works in each of our lives separately, and as well tell and live our stories together, we illustrate how diverse and wondrous the love of God is.  Christmas is a time to celebrate God's radical inbreaking into my life and my story and your life and your story.  This Christmas, listen to each other's stories, ask your friends and loved ones to share their stories, and may we strengthen one another for the lives of service to which we are called.