Immanuel turns fear to joy...when waiting, when wondering, when wandering

Published: Dec. 24, 2022, 10 a.m.

For the past few weeks, the theme for our worship has been “Home for More Than Christmas.” One of the names the Bible uses to refer to Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” In Jesus, God offers us a better definition of “home,” and he offers it to us for more than just one day. In Jesus, God is always with us so that we never have to be without him. This name, Immanuel, is highlighted in the account of Jesus’ birth recorded in Matthew’s gospel. Tonight, we celebrate the birth of Christ in Scripture and in song by hearing three sections of Matthew’s gospel. Each section conveys that Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of all God had promised. Each section conveys that in Jesus – Immanuel – our fears are turned to joy.