Mary had a baby. We know this, sing about it, and it’s so common in our thinking this time of year that we may miss the scandal, the drama, the agony, and the courage of it all.

This Sunday, I’m excited that we’ll be joined by Christie Crandall, Executive Director at Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre. Christie is going to explore the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus with us - not as the polished, serene figure we often see on Christmas cards, but as a young woman who said yes to God at great personal cost.

Through the lens of being “ fully alive”, we’ll reflect on what it means to abide, be pruned, chosen and appointed, just as Mary was. Her courage, surrender and wholehearted obedience invite us to consider how we, too, can step into God’s calling with faith, resilience, and a life awakened to His purposes.

Phil Wagler