Slideshow image

As Advent 2025 comes to a close and we celebrate the birth of the Christ child on that starry, starry night so long ago, I took a few minutes this morning to reflect on this year's journey to the manger. I really can't think about this past Advent without reflecting back upon this past year. Some years stretch us and grow us more than others and I feel like this has been one of those banner years for transformation in my life. The last year I remember being this growth-filled was the year of my divorce - 2021 (a story for another time).

I love to look back and think about where I was at a certain point in the past and realize that I never could have imagined in that moment where God would take me, or the journey I would embark upon to get there. For me, this year's journey began in June when I was invited to Sam Kaufman's law office to take part in a discussion surrounding the 287g Agreement the City of Key West had entered into with ICE without the knowledge of the city commission. I almost didn't go. It wasn't anything I had ever been involved in before and I really didn't understand it. But a still, small voice kept telling me, "You need to be there." So, I went (begrudgingly - in a rain storm!).

I never could have imagined the amazing, loving, giving people I would meet, the opportunities I would have to make a difference in our community or the incredible journey I would embark upon with our immigrant community and those fighting for justice following that meeting. It has been and continues to be a heartbreaking yet incredibly rewarding ministry. I am humbled and grateful to have been embraced, trusted and included by some incredible community partners who are doing very difficult and transformative justice work, here in Key West, across Florida and throughout this country. Something that just six months ago, I could have never imagined being a part of!

I think of the Shepherds, standing in that dark field on the night Jesus was born and receiving the instruction from an Angel to go visit Jesus the Messiah, Immanuel, the Prince of Peace in a very unlikely place. The Angel said, "Do not be afraid...." I'll bet they were still afraid, but they went anyway. God had a job for them and they answered the call. They put one foot in front of the other, even though their legs were shaking!

I guess my point is this: Don't let fear (or apathy) get in the way of the journey God has in store for you - even if it is terrifying or seems impossible! Because, as it did with the Shepherds, that journey might just lead you to a discovery that will change your life forever - as well as the lives of others!

 "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15)

Merry Christmas Dear Ones! I wish you peace, joy, hope and love!

Grace and Peace,

-Pastor Madeline