The story of the Magi from the East (Matt 2:1-12) inspires us again at the beginning of this new year. These gentlemen set their hope on the star that led them to Bethlehem to find Jesus and offer him their gifts. Their hope was fulfilled and they “were overwhelmed with joy.” However, they made it to Bethlehem mainly because their hope had a purpose and goal – to see Jesus and give Him their best. This type of hope gave them strength to overcome outside obstacles and inner doubts on this long and difficult journey. The year 2022 opens a new chapter in our individual and corporate life journeys. It is difficult to predict what is ahead of us. However, if our journeys have Jesus as their purpose and goal, we can face this year with much hope. And as the Magi, we can meet Jesus, serve Him, and be filled with joy.

This Advent season, these prophetic words come to mind:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lord, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”
(Zec 9:9).

The prophet Zechariah prompts his audience to rejoice in apparently difficult times. Some centuries later when Jesus entered Jerusalem as the fulfilment of these words, the times were not very happy either. Our present days are also far from ideal – COVID brings death closer to our doors and negatively affects our social life, mobility, and economy. However, whatever the crisis, the words of the prophet stay valid: not death but Christ is at the door, and that is the reason for rejoicing! With Him we can overcome our problems and worries and can help others to cope with theirs. Joy is much needed, and we ought to be its heralds for this world! Continue reading →

October is the month of the Reformation. Martin Luther’s emphasis on God’s grace and power of His word is still very valid because it offers the right base for our existence as Christians and the church as well. It means that every day we are called to rely on God’s grace and reflect on our deeds and thoughts from the perspective of the Holy Scriptures. Yes, every day we ought to drown our old Adam by the power of God so the new Christ-like creations can rise. This is the true living out of our baptism day by day as the father of the 16th Century Reformation proclaims.

The new school year 2021-2022 has started and we are back with our news. From day one, along with the psalmist, we lift up our eyes and ask God for help and protection (Psalm 121:1). The past has taught us that whatever crisis we face, God is ready to help. Our student pastors Natalia and Janka prayed for God’s care on behalf of all of us at the opening worship services. As in the past we could not fit all the students and parents in our church, so we held three services.