Today's service did not include a sermon.  However, the following reflection was shared at Fred Douglas Lodge this past week:

    We are approaching the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and what we heard today is how Matthew describes it.  While there are any number of things that we could focus on today, I’m going to invite you to reflect for a moment with me on the naming of this child who is born.

    The first name that is mentioned is, of course, Jesus.  The angel tells Joseph that he is to name the child Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21).  The name Jesus is significant, because it is derived from a Hebrew word that means “he saves.”  And so, it is not just a name, but a statement about who Jesus will be and what his life is all about.

    This child who is born will save people.  This means bringing healing and wholeness – similar to the salve that you might put on wounds.  This also means rescuing and renewing people – similar to salvaging something that still has value but was almost thrown away.  “You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21).  What a wonderful name!

    Yet, there is another name for this child that seems to me to be just as important.  This name comes from the prophet Isaiah - “‘and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us’” (Mt. 1:23).  Isn’t this one of the most amazing things when we think about the birth of Jesus?  It boggles the mind to think about what sort of God would lower himself to be born as a human baby and to live among us.

    Our God is not just out there somewhere or up there sitting on a throne or off in some other galaxy taking a vacation.  Instead, our God is with us through Jesus Christ.  Whether we are healthy or sick, old or young, living or dying, rich or poor, our God has come in Jesus to be with us and to share in our joys and our sorrows.  That is the good news of Emmanuel, and that is the wonder of Christmas, for our God continues to be with us.  Amen.

Week of Advent 4(A)                            Matthew 1:18-25
December 19, 2013
Fred Douglas Lodge
Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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