Immanuel, God With Us

Hello all,

Here is an update for those who might still be wondering what happened with our water pipes at the lake house. The water pipes were not frozen... I forgot to unplug the heater last spring, so it was all ready for winter. Forgetfulness isn't always a bad thing.

We were blessed at Thanksgiving as we joined some of our neighbors and other friends for a community gathering and meal. It's all part of being in a small town/community. Thanks to those who headed up the celebration, and prepared the food.

As we move from the Thanksgiving holiday, and turn our hearts toward Christmas, I'll be sharing some appropriate thoughts and scriptures over the next few weeks. I'll begin with some reflections from Sunday's message.

It may come as a surprise to some, but Christmas is not grounded in Santa Claus, evergreen trees, winter scenery or the spending of huge amounts of money on gifts. It is first of all centered on the Incarnation, God's miraculous gift of a Savior, born to a virgin, to be the sinless sacrifice for our sins.

" ... the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph...The virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, 'Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you....Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus... The Holy Spirit will come upon you...Therefore the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:26-35).

I wonder how many of us really understand the importance of the Incarnation and the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ? What does it matter that Jesus is "God with us?" It means that we do not have to pay for our own sin. Jesus, sinless from conception, came to be the sacrifice that would once for all cover the sin debt of all humanity. Without the virgin birth, there would be no salvation for sin, no way to restore our broken relationship with God. Without the virgin birth, our faith would be futile.

Now, when we see all the trappings of the season, and the excesses it brings, let us first know and understand why and how Jesus came. As we meditate on these truths, may we slow down and take the time to acknowledge the real "Reason for the Season."

Thankful for His birth,

Pastor Jerry