Immanuel

I read an article the other day about a growing number of churches that have taken up the practice of offering "Blue Services" for Christmas.  Blue services are intended for those in need, those who are struggling through the holidays for any number of reasons, including illness, divorce, the loss of a loved one.  At a time when everyone feels pressure to be joyful and jolly, they offer quiet and solemn comfort.  I love this.

 

Last night at our Christmas Eve service our pastor spoke about light in the darkness.  He spoke about how we live in dark days.  More people than ever suffer from depression; bad news abounds.  And where do we turn for comfort?  Netflix, shopping, social networking, food.  The list could go on and on.  And I'm as guilty as the rest. 

After the kids were in bed last night, Joe and I turned on the movie "The Nativity Story", something we try to do every year.  And though I fell asleep about halfway through it (my bedtime gets earlier and earlier these days), I am always amazed, and truthfully, so saddened, watching those opening scenes.  Talk about darkness.  Those men, those women, those children lived in despair.  But in those darkest of days, they survived on the hope of a coming Messiah. 

And then at just the right time, Jesus was born.  Called Immanuel which means "God with us".  That's what the people from Nazareth needed.  Not a political ruler; not just a wise teacher.  They needed "God with us".  And truthfully, that's what I need.  We live in a broken world as a broken people.  And while "God with us" won't simply whisk us away from trouble and pain, He does provide light, and He does offer hope of days ahead when the darkness will be dispelled.    

So today, I wish you all a "Merry Christmas".  Not because it's filled with bows and tinsel.  Not because it's a day we're supposed to smile and be happy.  I wish you a Merry Christmas in the name of Immanuel, "God with us", the hope we have as the Light of the world.