Tabernacle Times ~ December 2013

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth
to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah 7:14

            All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)

Immanuel ~ God with us

As we enter this Advent season I invite us to focus on the meaning of Immanuel – God with us. How are you experiencing God’s presence with you? We have families facing difficult economic times. We have families facing end of life issues. We have families coping with the challenges of mental illness.  Our families come in all shapes and sizes and configurations. We rejoice that we serve a God who loves each of us as we are where we are. Will you welcome the Christ Child into your family this season? Is there room in your inn for this child who is called Immanuel? Is there room in your heart to embrace the one who came in love?

            Christ was born of Mary that we might experience the presence and reality of God here on earth. My heart is filled with joy as I reflect on the depth of God’s great love for you and for me. Let us share that love today.                   

                                                                                         Joyously in Service,

                                                                                                    Pastor Joyce