Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. Matthew 1:21
Immanuel—God with us. Over the years, I’ve heard countless sermons on what those words mean. Some messages fade quickly, but others stay with me because they touch a deep place in my spirit.
It is profoundly comforting to know that God, who became human in Jesus, fully understands our struggles and the emotions they stir:
the pain of losing someone we love,
the despair of losing a home and belongings in a fire,
the anxiety of not having enough to provide for our families,
the fear that comes when our health is threatened.
Yet the God who created us has also given us a remarkable capacity for love and compassion. And in Jesus—Immanuel—we see clearly how to live as God’s beloved children to one another.
As I write this, Lutheran Congregational Services has just completed God’s Work, Our Hands, where God’s people prepared kits for those who are overwhelmed by the devastation of a disaster. These simple gifts, born of generosity and compassion, are powerful signs of God’s love. They tell survivors: You matter. You are beloved. You are not alone.
Dear God, as we approach Christmas, help us embrace Jesus as our model of love. Give us eyes to see the struggles of others and hearts strong enough to respond with compassion. May our words and actions remind people that they are not alone, for you—Immanuel—are with us. Amen.
Patty Cline is director of advancement for Liberty Lutheran.
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