“The Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (meaning God with us).” -Isaiah 7:14

This year there have been many times we have felt alone, isolated, and perhaps even abandoned.  This Christmastime, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we feel the presence of the Lord.  As we celebrate online and social distant Christmas Eve services, as we wear masks and have our outdoor Living Nativity, may we know that Immanuel, God WITH US, is born.

God continues to reach into lonely places.  God keeps showing up in places of neglect, abandonment, hopelessness, and need.  Just as our Advent candles represent, God brings the light of hope, peace, joy and love into this dark work.  We are not alone.  We are not isolated.  We are not abandoned.  God is with us.  Please join us for very special Christmas Eve services online and in person.  Our Living Nativity, from 3:30-5:00pm, is held outdoors.  The Lessons and Carols service is in the Main Sanctuary at 7:30pm.  Please use the registration links below and join us.  We will also live-stream both services in an effort to reach all of our congregation and beyond our community, the love of God, Immanuel… God WITH US.

Open our hearts, merciful God, to the sparks of your presence still in this world. Open our eyes, that we might behold your presence in the least likely of places, and among the least likely of people.

God with us, kindle your spark within us, that together we may shine forth your light, we might banish the shadows of this world, and we might be the continuation of the Christmas miracle: Immanuel is in this world, God is WITH US, now and evermore. Amen.