From Jerusalem, we move north to the tiny village of Nazareth. Although not so tiny anymore, in those days, Nazareth was a place where “everyone knows your name” since it could only support a limited amount of people from one small well of water. Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel with news that she would bear a son. Mary’s joy was not limited by the improbability that such a thing could happen in Nazareth. It is this simple tight-knit community of limited resources where survival required interdependence that Jesus would be raised and grow into the teacher he became. This week we wonder: what joy can we glean from the simplest of moments, the simplest of gifts, allowing ourselves to savor this season, pregnant with possibilities?

Children are always welcome in worship. The Children’s Table in the front of the sanctuary always has exciting activities and children can come forward at any time during the service. Sunday school for Kindergarten through 6th grade children is after Children’s Time.