Christmas Greetings!

A New Tesament reference to this prophecy is found in MATTHEW 1:23 and goes on to share the meaning of the name “Immanuel” which is “God with us.” I don’t know about you, but the wonderful assurance I feel when I read a verse such as this gives me great assurance for the day and age we live. If there is ever a day we need the assurance of the presence of God, it is today, and we know God’s presence still abides with us through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 

When Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago in the form of a little child, it was both the fulfillment of many prophecies declaring it would happen, but also was the beginning of the revelation of God the Father to a lost and dying world. 

God was declaring who He was through the life of His Son. A powerful scripture shares this truth; JOHN 14:7-9– 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 

Too often we can become so enthralled with the trappings of Christmas, yet fail to realize it was ALL about God coming to earth to reveal His unconditional love and continual reaching out to mankind in mercy and grace. 

As we once again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray you would take time to appreciate this wonderful God who is still “with us.” He is STILL Immanuel! He is a personal God who loves you beyond anything or anyone and will be there for you even when the closest of friends turn and walk the other way. 

Take time to reflect and appreciate “God with us” during this season and consider joining us at one of our Christmas Eve Services: 

December 24, 2019 
5:00 pm—Family Service 
It’s All About the Gift 
7:00 pm—Candlelight and Communion Service
 A Special Encounter 

Keeping Christ in Christmas,
Pastor Deborah

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