Advent and Christmas at Middle

What does it mean to proclaim hope in a broken world? Can our vulnerability really make a difference? Is love enough to save us? These aren’t idle concerns; in a year rocked by relentless death, they’re absolutely crucial. The immediacy of this pain shouldn’t make us forget, however, that these questions aren’t new: They are the backdrop to the Christmas story.

Born in occupied territory to a family in forced migration, the particularities of Jesus’ birth are intentional: God chooses to be incarnated not among the powerful but in the middle of trembling shepherds, born to a teenager who gets pregnant shrouded by scandal. He comes not as a conquering army, but as a tender infant—daring to promise in his embodiment that somehow fierce love is enough to save us. Indeed, it’s the only thing that can.

This birth proclaims that tenderness matters—testifies that vulnerability can overcome violence. It’s not an anemic hope of static waiting, but faith lacing up its boots to march toward beloved community. It’s a reminder to people whose home has burned: God was born in wilderness—and God will lead us through it.

This season, join a story about a different kind of triumph. Dare to let it claim you.

A Volunteering Opportunity:

We are partnering with Trinity’s Services and Food for the Homeless to distribute warm clothing to anyone in need during the month of December! Bring your gently used jackets and coat to Calvary Parish during worship December 12th & 19th. If you’d like to volunteer to distribute or sort coats, email Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft. And, if you want to donate coats but aren’t available on December 12 or 19 to bring them to Calvary, click here to learn how you can deliver them directly to Trinity!