A present "cold" has my nose running, throat sore and brain dead. "Insights" I ask myself?? I can barely see and now trying to have "insights"? Where can I buy or borrow a few to pawn them off as originals? Sitting here wondering what "blockhead" thought up this impossible title?...oh, it was me!? One-third of a year ago, this seemed like a workable title for an Interim to share some thoughts---but insights???? That's like asking someone sitting in a sandbox to come up with gold!

 

Ah, ha!! The gears are grinding as I read the Gospel from Luke and read announcement of the Angel to Mary that she was chosen to be the Mother of our Lord. Astounded, puzzled, bewildered!! Thougha teenage, Mary knows about the "birds and the bees". She blurts out to the intruding angel, "How can this be since I am a virgin?" Then Mary hears she is second in line for "miracles" since her elderly relative Elizabeth, who physicians declared to be "barren", was now six months pregnant!! And this angel (who seemingly is enjoying the good news assignment) puts the clincher on his awesome news: "FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"

 

Can it be?? Really? Time passed quickly as you and your leaders have done what an Interim Period is designed to be: time for reflection, prayer, planning, prayer, planning, prayer, hard work and prayer with our Synod leaders preparing for the next spiritual leader for Holy Redeemer. So if it seems like time is at a "snails's pace" remember the story of Mary: "FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"

 

But let's not jump to conclusions. Mary's story is not a done-deal. I can think of no story in Mark where an assignment is forced on anyone. Mary has a key role in God's plan of salvation!! God's army is not run with draftees but is an all voluntary force loyal to the King of Love!! So...will Mary accept? We turn one more verse to hear her say: "I am the Lord's servent! Mmay it be to me as you have said."

 

So---still in the glow of Christmas we begin a New Year on the Interim Journey with steadfast faith by imperfect people encouraging one another: "FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"