Joy Is Here

Dear 3MBC Family,

We have arrived at our last Bible Study of 2025. As we move towards Christmas, I invite you to reflect on how joy shows up in unexpected places through the story of Mary.

Last Sunday, I preached from Luke about Gabriel coming to Nazareth, reminding us that God chooses the lowly and shows up where we're most vulnerable. Mary was troubled and confused, yet the angel called her "highly favored," and that tension is the place we must choose joy — gratitude for the good God has already given even while pain remains. God's plans will mess with our plans, but when we surrender our will to God's will, we move out of confusion because with God, nothing is impossible.

This week, each morning, name one good thing and declare, "I'm blessed," even if you're facing troubles — don't let your challenges blind you to God's favor. Stop trying to reconcile your plan with God's plan; choose one small step of obedience (a prayer, a call, an act of faith) toward the breakthrough you need and imagine what God can do.

Blessings,

Pastor Byron L. Benton