Emmanuel

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

The prophecy is fulfilled. “The People who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.”

So gracious is this time.  Evil has no place in these holy moments of Jesus’ birth.  Each Christmas Eve I come to church for one thing.  To experience this mystery of Emmanuel, God with us, with fellow believers.  I want to be bathed in the candlelight that summons the coming of Jesus.  I want the truth of the manger to embrace me with its eternal reality.  I want the assurance of everlasting peace to quiet my soul.  I hope for the resurrection that is promised. The truth Jesus gives us.

I’m thinking you’re not too different than me. Coming to hear the angel’s words as if it is the first time.  The first time when we were introduced to the miracle that is Jesus.

We speak of silent night, holy night, but only the second part of that is true.  The chorus of angels is bursting with song.  The animals in the stable are noisy.  Mary was likely screaming. The baby is crying with its first breath.

Perhaps we come for the carols.  Trying to capture the glory of the angels on that first Christmas.  We come for the flickering light of candles.  The light in the darkness.

We are eager for the news of great joy.  Healing, unity, sanity.  The reason I am here is the same reason you are.  We want the same thing.  God doesn’t disappoint.  The manger is here.  Emmanuel.  This is our truth.

Within this manger, we find the Light that does not go out, the Counselor who is always with us, and the Mighty strength that never weakens.  We discover the Comforter who embraces us in our loneliness and doubt, and the Prince of Peace overcoming chaos and conflict, cruelty, and violence.  Our guilt and regret are wiped clean by Christ’s mercy.  The Bread of Life comes to the hungry and poor.  The forgiveness of our sin comes from the Savior who redeemed us.  A human has become God.  Emmanuel.

Somehow that little manger in Bethlehem holds the creator of us all.  Within this manger, you and I, every aspect of our lives, in fact of all creation, are cradled with him and in him. Tonight, with the birth of the Christ child, we created in Christ, are made new and reborn.

I can’t tell you how this happens.  I don’t know.  I only know that it does happen.  Year after year it happens.  I’ve experienced it in my life, and I’ve seen it happen in the lives of others.  The only thing I can tell you is this,

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

And that is good news of great joy for ALL people.  Thanks be to God. Amen