Bad weather and strong winds had descended on a remote farm, and a flock of birds were huddled in a tree in distress. The farmer, observing their distress, did what he could to help them, but all attempts to communicate with them failed, because the birds were frightened by the man’s efforts.
“If only I could become a bird and show them the way to safety!” the farmer wished.
All those years ago, Arlan went on to explain that this was what God did for us. To help us in our distress, and knowing our tendency to fear the unknown, He became “a bird among birds”—human, incarnate, God with us, Immanuel.
—from Susan (Kaloyanides) Koppendrayer’s meditation on incarnation and the well-lived life of her husband and my first CCO campus minister, Arlan Koppendrayer (2023 CCO Advent Devotional)
The beautiful artwork for the 2023 CCO Advent Devotional was created by my newest CCO colleague, Carter Shearer.
Arlan was the first CCO staff member I ever met, at the beginning of my freshman year at Allegheny College. We only overlapped that one year, but in a very real way, he was my introduction to something that would define the rest of my life—a commitment to reaching out to college students with the Gospel, connecting them to the local church, and equipping them with a vision for how to serve Jesus Christ with their entire lives.
I hadn’t seen Arlan for several decades when we reconnected on Facebook a few years ago. And I was so sad to learn of his death on Christmas Eve 2021 following a stroke.
One of the roles I play here at the CCO, along with my friend and colleague Ginger Weeber, is that of administrator of the CCO Staff Alumni Facebook group. In 2023, it felt like every time I logged on, it was to share the obituary of one of my former colleagues. We said goodbye to Rosie Wagoner in July, Tom McWhertor in August, and Valerie Ford in September. In October, Bob Long, the CCO’s first president and my dad’s Pitt football teammate and freshman roommate, died.
To be honest, I think I will remember 2023 as a year of facing the reality of mortality while contemplating the mysteries of the promise of resurrection. The parents of some of my closest friends died this year, as well as my Uncle Frank. A good friend lost her husband to cancer, as did a high school acquaintance. I know these seasons are to be expected, especially as we age. But wow. It’s really hard.
I am glad to report that 2023 was about more than attending funerals. In January, my niece, Katy, married Aaron, and in February, the CCO hosted Jubilee in person for the first time since 2020—even though I missed much of it due to a stomach bug. (Sigh.) This summer, I celebrated 35 years of ministry with the CCO!
In September, I got to meet my great nephew, Rex John Michael Duda, for the first time—and yes, my “little” brother John is now a grandpa! In October, I tested positive for Covid for the first time. (Sigh.) In November, I had recovered (yay!) and was able to travel to Connecticut to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brothers.
This month, as I prepare for Advent in my favorite way—editing the CCO’s online devotional—I am contemplating the beautiful mystery of the Incarnation. What a miracle it is that God chose to become “‘a bird among birds’—human, incarnate, God with us, Immanuel.” Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Arlan, for sharing this good news with me nearly 40 years ago.
And thank you for your continuing partnership with me in this important work.
Merry Christmas!
Amy Maczuzak
Senior Editor
December 2023
To give to my ministry: ccojubilee.org/amaczuzak or send a check to CCO, 5912 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Photo highlights from 2023:
Celebrating the wedding of Katy Maczuzak and Aaron Duda in January 2023
Celebrating my 35th year with the CCO in July 2023 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with friends (like Hank Suhr) and my marketing team colleagues: Jen Pelling, Carter Shearer, and Tyler Marwood
Aaron, Katy, and Rex Duda celebrating their first Christmas as a family—and Rex’s first Christmas ever!
maegregale.com 