Saying Yes in Ordinary Lives

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, The Rev. Susan Cushinotto reflects on Mary and Joseph as ordinary people living ordinary lives when God suddenly interrupts with a life-changing invitation. Both are told, “Do not be afraid,” and both are given a choice: remain within the safety of what they know, or say yes to God’s call and step into an unknown future. Rev. Sue invites us to see ourselves in their story. In the quiet stirrings of compassion, discomfort, and longing we feel when faced with the world’s brokenness, God continues to call us. Advent becomes a season of discernment, asking whether we will remain comfortable or risk saying yes to God’s transforming work through our own ordinary lives.