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We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.

Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. 

1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )

For four weeks, it’s as if we’re re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God’s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God’s salvation, for Jesus. That’s what advent means—coming. Even God’s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn’t know “what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn’t know what God’s salvation would look like.

In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God’s Christ:

They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.

They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus’ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God’s plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.

(Adapted from Treasuring God in Our Traditions)

Noël Piper is wife of John Piper, mother of five, and grandmother of sixteen. She is also the author of Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God.

DesiringGod. What is Advent? Noël Piper. December 2, 2009.

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-advent

If you spend any time in women’s ministry spaces, you’re bound to hear a birth story at some point. A new mom brings her baby to Bible study, and other moms share their birth experiences. Or a baby-shower conversation includes advice on birth plans and what to expect.

I don’t imagine however, that men’s ministry spaces often include such conversations. Birth isn’t a typical connection point for men in the same way it is for women.

So it seems odd that Jesus uses the metaphor of birth in John 3 when he’s speaking to a man, Nicodemus. But there’s an important similarity between physical birth and spiritual birth that Jesus connects for Nicodemus—and for us.

New Paradigm

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, which we’re accustomed to thinking of as a negative label. But in Jesus’s day, to be a Pharisee was to be the most religious guy in the room. The Pharisees were respected and trusted leaders in Jewish society. When we read that a “man from the Pharisees” (v. 1, CSB) comes to Jesus, we should think, An important man is coming to see Jesus. He was the guy you saw in the temple every Sabbath, the one who never missed a sacrifice, and the one who could recite the Torah front to back.

Nicodemus comes thinking his status and religious fervor put him and Jesus in the same category. So Jesus uses a metaphor that turns Nicodemus’s paradigm upside down: “You must be born again” (v. 7). Religious credentials and good works don’t make you a true follower, Jesus says. New birth does. “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asks him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” (v. 4, CSB).

Nicodemus comes to Jesus thinking they’re religious leaders talking man-to-man. He comes with great knowledge about God. But Jesus essentially says, “You need more than that to see me. You need something you can’t do for yourself.” That’s why the example of birth is so helpful.

Nonnegotiable and Impossible

While the practice of inducing labor now exists through modern medical developments, in ancient times, no one could make a baby be born. And even today, when a woman labors for her child’s arrival, no one knows the day or hour that labor will begin or end (unless there’s medical intervention). Our knowledge about the process doesn’t make it happen. Our strategies and best-laid birth plans cannot force the process.

The same is true for salvation, Jesus says to Nicodemus. The Spirit moves where he wishes (v. 8), and we never know the day or the hour of his movement in a person’s life. But to enter the kingdom of God, he must give you a new birth. That’s nonnegotiable.

And Nicodemus says—that’s impossible. Now we’re getting somewhere.

Nicodemus comes thinking he can align himself with Jesus without having to lose his position. He comes thinking that praising Jesus for his signs will put them on the same team. But Jesus wants Nicodemus to see how unattainable is any human attempt to enter the kingdom, see the kingdom, or even understand the kingdom, without a complete rebirth. Without the old Nicodemus dying and the new Nicodemus being born, he would remain blind to the path of belief.

Nicodemus is proof positive that knowing the Bible isn’t enough to open our eyes. Being born into a Christian family isn’t enough to make us a Christian. Going to a Christian college, or being in ministry, or even attending church won’t make anyone believe. We must be born again. We must walk through the impossible and supernatural process of dying to our old life and being reborn to new life in Christ.

Salvation and Beyond

But even for those of us who have been born again, the birth metaphor continues to serve us. A baby doesn’t will his life into existence, and a baby also doesn’t grow on his own. He needs someone to feed him, change him, take care of him, and show him the path of maturity.

Our good works don’t save us, and they don’t keep us either. The same grace that brought us into our spiritual new birth grows us into mature adults in Christ.

This doesn’t remove our responsibility to participate in our sanctification, but it does remind us who accomplishes our progress. For those of us tempted to rest in our good works and religious commitment (like Nicodemus), Jesus gives us the metaphor of rebirth to remind us of an important truth: You need something you can’t do for yourself.

TheGospelCoalition. How Birth Helps Us Understand Salvation. October 19, 2025. Courtney Reissig.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/birth-helps-understand-salvation/

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convince that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  2 Timothy 1:8-12

Paul wrote these words of encouragement to the young pastor Timothy, recognizing the challenges and pressures that he was experiencing. These words ring true for the young pastors serving in the jungles of Peru.

Life in the jungle is difficult. The Indigenous Peoples who inhabit the jungle live largely off the land. Their diet consists of fruit from the forest, an occasional monkey or fish, and yuca taken from their small gardens. Most are undernourished largely because of the limited variety of food. They live in thatch huts built off the ground to keep snakes out, but this doesn’t preclude the rats. And, nothing protects from the heat and bugs, which are absolutely relentless. Transportation is exclusively by river, dependent on canoes carved from tree trunks. These communities are sorely lacking when it comes to access to clean water, sanitation, education and quality health care. Even worse, the communities are isolated with no internet or cell coverage. All together this lifestyle brings a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness. To cope many turn to alcohol (produced by chewing yucca, spitting it in a vat of water and allowing it to ferment).

Fortunately, there are those who have found hope in Jesus Christ. It has been our pleasure to champion and equip churches in these remote and otherwise forgotten communities. We provide this support first in the form of biblical training. We identify community members with a deep commitment and calling of Christ. We fully cover their training and travel expenses. This comes with a significant commitment on the part of the student and their family. The whole family must put their lives on hold and travel to the “big city” (Pucallpa or Iquitos). There the whole family is immersed in intensive Bible study and training for three months. They return home for three months to put into practice what they have learned. This cycle continues for three years. To date we have graduated two new pastors, Edgar and Fernando. Additionally, five new students have made the commitment and started their training—Ukama (38 and father of five), Shamichi (42, married and no children), along with three high school graduates who feel called to ministry: Isabel, Pegui, and Elmer.

We also support these remote churches by meeting basic physical needs. An important way we help is by providing a place to worship. While many materials can be sourced from the jungle, assistance is needed with roofing materials and cement. We have also supplied a boat and motor so Pastor Fernando can minister to villages beyond his own. At last count he was ministering to 10 different communities.  Also supported is the most basic of needs, the Bible. Supplied are Bibles recorded in the native language of the communities that are solar powered and can be played so that 50-100 people can listen at a time.

We are also equipping these remote churches by breaking down the walls of isolation. This is accomplished primarily by the work of Pastor Victor. He makes monthly trips into the jungle to meet with the churches and pastors. His primary function is to mentor the pastors, encourage the churches and help create a sense of unity throughout the jungle. The effectiveness of Victor’s work is evidenced by the constant invitations to preside over weddings and funerals and pray over ailing church members.

The Gospel is penetrating and thriving in the most remote areas of the Peruvian jungles thanks to the exceptional commitment of these ministers of Christ. Please be in prayer for them.

As we pray with persecuted Christians, we often think of how we are helping them, but the truth is, we need them just as much. Their courage deepens our faith.

This connection across the global Church is mutual. That’s why we pray with our brothers and sisters rather than only for them. Their perseverance calls us to stand more boldly for Christ where we live.

Prayer is not passive. It is participation. When we pray, we link arms with believers across cultures and continents as one family in Christ.

While our enemy is real, the power of prayer is greater. Prayer strengthens those who persevere under pressure, and it equips us to stand with them.

Seven daily prayers for the persecuted church (from Spirit of Martyrdom International):

Unity – Pray for oneness in their witness so the Gospel shines with clarity and power.

Boldness – Pray for courage to share the truth without fear or compromise.

Authority – Pray they will walk confidently in the authority they have in Christ.

Faith – Lift up their trust in God as they endure hardship and persecution.

Provision – Pray for clear vision and for God’s provision as they make disciples.

Comfort – Ask for peace and strength for those imprisoned or separated from loved ones.

Love – Pray that their love will deepen for God, His people, and even for their enemies.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus’ final words to His disciples have come to be known as the Great Commission. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” has become a central rallying cry for missionaries from the early church to the present day. Being part of missions and spreading the gospel message allows us to bring change around the world and be changed ourselves. As we enter the Christmas Advent season, we celebrate Christ’s birth and the gospel message we are called to share; here at MCC, our attention turns towards supporting the missional work of Operation Christmas Child.

Taking part in Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a great way to get involved in missions at MCC and partner with churches around the world to spread the good news of Christ. With OCC, you and your family can prayerfully gift a Christmas-themed shoebox filled with toys and necessities for a child. In 2024, churches around the world helped to send more than 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children in need. Each shoebox not only represents a gift of toys and necessities to a child, but something even more precious: the opportunity to share the love of God.

At the outreach events where the shoe boxes are delivered, local pastors and believers have the privilege to share the gospel with shoebox recipients and their families. These pastors and believers are trained by volunteers in the National Leadership Team on how to present the Gospel in a child-friendly way. After the event, children are invited back to take part in a 12-week discipleship program called the Greatest Journey. In the Greatest Journey, children learn more about the Bible, God, and how to share their faith with family and friends. Since 2009, 46 million recipients have participated in The Greatest Journey, and 23 million boys and girls have made professions of faith, changing not only their lives but the lives of their families as well.

Lives aren’t only changed around the world, but here at home as well, through end-to-end transformation. We encourage as you prepare your own shoebox, to be in prayer for the child that receives the box. Reflect on the Gospel message and the wonderful gift of Christ as you shop. Talk with your family about missions and how to reach the people around you with the good news of the gospel. There will be resources to help with prayer and discussion at the OCC table in the lobby. Feel free to contact Brittany Wendland with any questions or if you want more details on being involved with Operation Christmas Child. 

Bring change and be changed this Christmas season with Operation Christmas Child!