Hello, friends. Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen of Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa, and I’m so glad you’ve joined me today as we step into this season of Advent together.
We’ve been talking about the themes of hope, peace, and joy as we’ve prepared our hearts for Christmas. But today, as we light the candle of love, we’re going to look at the greatest expression of love the world has ever known—the moment when God stepped down from heaven and came to dwell among us.
I want to begin by reading from Matthew 1:18–23. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came to be:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”
What an incredible passage. These words remind us that Christmas is not just a season—it’s the story of God’s love breaking into human history. It’s about God coming down to meet us right where we are.
The name given to Jesus in this passage—Immanuel—means “God with us.”
Think about that for a moment. God… with us.
Not far off. Not watching from a distance. But with us.
The Creator of the universe stepped into His creation. He left the glory of heaven and entered the frailty of human life—not as a mighty warrior, not as a king in a palace, but as a baby lying in a manger.
And He didn’t come to admire the beauty of earth or to condemn the sins of men. He came to save.
Matthew 1:21 tells us:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
That’s the reason He came—because we needed saving. Because sin separated us from God, and there was no way we could fix it ourselves.
But God’s love didn’t leave us in that brokenness. His love sent Jesus to step into our mess, to walk our roads, to feel our pain, and ultimately, to die in our place.
Philippians 2:6–7 says it like this:
“Though he was in the form of God, [He] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
He emptied Himself. Think about that! The King of kings set aside the glory of heaven and clothed Himself in human flesh—for us.
That’s the kind of love we’re talking about today. A love so deep, so sacrificial, that it’s almost beyond comprehension.
So what does this mean for us?
First, it means we are never alone. Immanuel—God with us—isn’t just a name for Jesus. It’s a promise that He is present in our lives.
Maybe you’re listening today and you’re feeling lonely. Maybe the holidays stir up memories of loss, or you’re carrying burdens you don’t know how to let go of.
Let me remind you of this truth: You are not alone.
The same God who came to Joseph in a dream, who was born in Bethlehem, who walked the dusty roads of Galilee—He is still with us today. His love hasn’t changed, and His presence hasn’t left.
Second, it means we can trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Think about Joseph. His world was turned upside down when he found out Mary was pregnant. He didn’t have all the answers. He didn’t know how it would all work out. But he trusted God—and God proved faithful.
Maybe you’re in a season right now where things feel uncertain. Maybe God’s leading you in a direction that feels risky, or asking you to step out in faith.
Remember this: The God who called Joseph and Mary is the same God who calls you today. And just like He was with them, He will be with you.
So as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s take time to reflect on this love that came down.
A love that didn’t wait for us to be ready, but came to us in our brokenness.
A love that didn’t hold back, but gave everything—even to the point of the cross.
A love that didn’t stay in the past, but is still alive and active today.
Let me ask you this: How is God’s love calling you to respond?
Maybe it’s trusting Him with a situation you’ve been holding onto.
Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who needs to be reminded that they’re not alone.
Maybe it’s simply pausing to thank Him for all He’s done.
Whatever it is, don’t let this Christmas pass by without receiving the love God has poured out in Jesus.
Let us pray:
Father, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to be with us. Thank You for stepping into our brokenness, for meeting us where we are, and for making a way back to You.
Help us to remember that You are still with us today. Fill us with Your love so that we can share it with others this Christmas season.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I hope this message has encouraged you as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Be sure to tune in next time as we continue our Advent series and talk about the name that saves. Until then, may you experience the peace, joy, and love of Christ this season.
God bless you.
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