Today’s author is Rev. Jim Armstrong, retired ELCA pastor and member of Prince of Peace.
Who is this Jesus we look to and celebrate the outset of the year? This babe in the manger – this is whose birthday we celebrated. It is none other Emmanuel, “God is with us” says Matthew in his Gospel (Matt 1:23). Emmanuel, the living creator of the universe, the one who pushed the mountains into place. The one who separated the seas. The one you counted the stars and put them into space. The one who owns all things, the earth and all of its beauty. The one who was, is, and continues to be is “God with us,” Emmanuel.
He did not remain as a child, remembered as a babe in a manger. He grew up and demonstrated the power of the Spirit which God poured through him. He was Emmanuel to the people of his day. He kept telling them, “if you want to know anything about God, look at me.” “If you want to know what God has to say. Listen to what I say.” If you want to know what God would like to do, look at what I have done.”
He became Emmanuel by meeting the people where they were in their lives. Remember the story of the four friends who brough a paralyzed man to Jesus, lowering him through the roof? The religious leaders said, “only God can heal and forgive sins.” And Jesus said, “you are absolutely right.” The he said to the man, “take up your bed and go home, your sins are forgiven.” Emmanuel.
He met the blind man, and the religious leaders said, “only God can bring sight to the blind.” And Jesus said, “you are right.” To the blind man he said, “you can now see.” Emmanuel.
Then in the boat on the stormy sea, the disciples said, “only God can control the forces of nature.” And Jesus said, “you are right.” And Jesus spoke to the sea and said, “peace, be still.” And the sea was calm. Emmanuel.
A young man was being carried out of the city of Nain. The mother was heartbroken and the death of her son. They said, “only God can bring life out of death.” And Jesus said, “you are right.” Taking the hand of the young man, who was dead, he brought him back to life. Emmanuel.
He is still Emmanuel, God with us, in the world of today. He dwells with us in the here and now. It begins in baptism when he touches our loves with water and word. “You are mine. I make my cross a sign on you and you belong to me. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. You can count on that.” Emmanuel.
The same is true also of the Lord’s supper. It is more than just bread and wine. Emmanuel, my body broken on a cross comes in broken bread. Take and eat, and you become part of me and I become a part of you. Emmanuel. The cup of blessing comes in the cup of wine and forgiving message, “given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” “Take and drink,” and we have Emmanuel.
And in the journey of our lives, as with the people of his day, Jesus is our Emmanuel. He walked with the people of his day and entered into the life’s experience. So also with us. When we are looking to where we should go and do, he is Emmanuel. When we face hardships or pain or illness or frustration, he is Emmanuel.
And though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death itself, we are never alone for Emmanuel is still there. And in him death becomes life. God has never left us alone to manage our lives by ourselves. We are God’s sons and daughters and never forget that we are loved by God. We are invited to become all that Christ was and is.
We always ask, “what did we get for Christmas?” We answer, “it’s good news – we got a present that is always present. Emmanuel.
Let us pray… Thank you God for all your gifts, and best of all, your presence with us day by day. In Jesus. Amen.