Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I'm Pastor Loren Christensen, and today, we're concluding our series on "God in the Midst of Our Mess." Over the past few episodes, we've explored the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph's journey of faith, and the importance of making room for Jesus in our lives. Today, let's bring it all together by reflecting on the profound truth that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us.
The name "Emmanuel" means "God with us." This name, given to Jesus, encapsulates the heart of the Christmas message. In Matthew 1:23, we read:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel (which means, God with us).
This announcement was not just for the people of that time; it was for all people, for all time. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds that this was good news of great joy for all people. Jesus came to be with us, not just on Christmas Eve, but every single day. He came to walk with us through every season of life.
Think about the shepherds in the fields that night. They were ordinary people, going about their daily lives, when suddenly, the sky was filled with angels proclaiming the birth of the Savior. Luke 2:10-11 tells us:
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
This announcement was not just for the shepherds; it was for all people. It was a message of hope and joy that transcends time and circumstances. Jesus came to be Emmanuel—God with us—not just on Christmas Eve, but every single day. He came to walk with us through every season of life.
Whether you’re celebrating this Christmas with joy or facing struggles and heartache, God is here. He’s walking with you through your joys and your sorrows. He’s guiding you through your uncertainties and your fears. And He’s ready to fill your heart with His peace.
I remember a Christmas when I was going through a particularly difficult time. It felt like everything was falling apart, and I was struggling to find hope. But in the midst of that darkness, I experienced God's presence in a profound way. Through the support of friends, the comfort of scripture, and moments of quiet prayer, I felt Emmanuel—God with us—bringing peace to my troubled heart. It was a reminder that no matter what we face, God is with us, offering His love and guidance.
As we leave here tonight and go back to our homes and our families, let’s carry this message with us. Let’s keep our hearts open to Him—not just tonight, but every day. Let’s make room for Him, invite Him into our lives, and trust that His presence will lead us forward.
In John 14:27, Jesus says:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
This peace is a gift that we can carry with us every day, in every situation. As we reflect on the humble birth of our Savior, let us remember that God chose to enter our world in the most unassuming way. He came into a humble, messy place to show us that He is willing to enter the humble, messy places of our lives. Let us open our hearts to Him, make room for Him, and carry His presence with us every day.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for His humble birth and for the way He enters our lives, no matter how messy they may be. Help us to make room for Him in our hearts and to carry His presence with us every day. Fill us with Your peace and guide us in Your love as we go forth from this place. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me on "A Word from the Vine." I hope these reflections have brought you closer to understanding the profound truth of Emmanuel—God with us. May you carry this message with you throughout the year and experience His peace and presence in your life. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.
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