This has been a rough year in many respects. But the Christmas story is precisely about God entering into the rough places and transforming human lives, giving us purpose, guidance, empowerment, and hope.

Although we are chosen for blessing, we often hit difficult times. aIn such times we need to be attentive to God, so as to be receptive to what God will do.

God chooses us in Christ to have a wondrous destiny. We need to respond to God’s choice and enter into the eternal destiny God has for us.

Mary, like the whole people of Israel before her, was chosen not because she merited choice but simply because God chose her in grace. God likewise chooses to save and bless us out of pure grace.

Abraham was chosen by God, and the ultimate “chosen one” is Jesus. (“Here is my servant . . . my chosen” Isaiah 42:1) They are chosen however not merely to enjoy God’s blessing but principally to bring blessing to others. We are chosen to be instruments of God’s blessing to the world.

We give thanks to God for leading us through the challenges of these days