December 15, 2021

Christ’s incarnation in our lives

DAILY READING

Luke 1:26-38

FIELD NOTES

One of the things that I love about ministry is hearing various faith testimonies from the congregation. Every single one of us has a story about how God has called us to action in some way, and the leap of faith that it takes us to answer that call. Sometimes this nudging from God opens our hearts and minds to new realities and sometimes it can be flat out terrifying.  

This time of the year always invites me to reflect on how Mary must have felt when she discovered that she had conceived a son. How terrified she must have been. I can’t imagine how many questions or concerns that must have ran through her head. Like Mary, we have encountered situations that only a deep faith could get us through. Also like Mary, when we say yes to God’s call to our lives, it is an incarnation of Jesus Christ. As Notre Dame theology professor Edward P. Hahnenberg explains, “He (Christ) “takes on flesh” (in carne) in our lives of love and service. Christ enters the world again and again!”

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

  • What is God’s call to you? How can you say yes to an incarnation of Jesus Christ in your life?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • What is God asking you to do? What will help you say yes if you feel that God is asking you to do something?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear God, thank you for calling us to action. Thank you for trusting us with your work on earth. Help me to answer your call. Use me as your instrument. And when I am afraid, help me to remember that you are always with me. Amen.