A baby tends to turn our lives upside down. We sleep less - sometimes a lot less. Our schedules are often turned upside down. And we are caring for another little person 24-7! Yet in the midst of it all there is a transcending peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace.” This baby also will turn our lives upside down but in the midst of it He brings THE Peace of God which transcends all things.

We tend to live impersonal lives. We can go weeks never setting foot in the neighborhood as we go from garage to car and back to garage again - and even more so with the COVID 19 reality. We listen to or watch or read the News about struggles of people all around us, but we rarely connect personally with their struggles – am I right? At times we are even surrounded by people in close proximity, yet we carefully keep our distance on a personal level. After all they might want something from us. Do you think maybe, just out of habit, we do this with God as well? Perhaps this is why we can feel so disconnected to Him. Christmas means that in spite of us, God comes to us personally. His love is personal! And our lives lived out in Him are meant to be the same!

When I was a coach, you could always pick out the kids who were certain they wanted to be there. Being certain gave them focus, energy, drive, and purpose. Have you ever been in that place where you are unsure of your direction or what you should be doing? …where doubts are eating away at you, sapping your focus, energy, drive, and purpose? Are you perhaps carrying some doubt with you right now about God and your life in Him? Christmas means that we can be rid of these doubts. And Christmas means that we can live like it.

Have you ever wished you had someone wise and understanding to whom you could pour out your heart and thoughts? One who would lovingly listen and then give you perfect wisdom for your life? Have you ever longed to have such perfect wisdom that you could lovingly speak into the life of another? Jesus is THE Wonderful Counselor…and He is here for you and for all for He is Emmanuel.

Do you know who named Jesus? It wasn’t Mary or Joseph. It was His Heavenly Father, God Himself. Tonight, we examine the name and the title that Jesus’ Heavenly Father gave to Him. It was no accident. And yes, it has great meaning for us.

We all long for things to be different, even as we hope to be difference makers. How about you? Jesus came to make a difference not just by what He did but through what He would do in each of us. Christmas is meant to make a difference both in you and through you. This is our focus today.

“One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.” Can you relate to these words? They were sung by the band “Three Dog Night.” There are countless ways to experience loneliness – physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually. But at the root of all of them is the feeling that you are utterly alone. Christmas means it’s not true. It means that we are not ever alone. Today, God whispers this truth anew into our hearts.

A Clearing of the Eyes; A Matter of the Heart- Thanksgiving 2020 by St Matthew Rocklin

As with the Children of Israel, God has brought us to this point to go into a new land with a new Vision as we continue to walk with Jesus. The Children of Israel, with joy and thanksgiving, being miraculously led into the new land, proceeded to make sure they never forgot as they committed to the new mission before them. And so it is with us. With joy and thanksgiving, we are led into a new land of mission and ministry. What will be our pillars of remembrance as God invites each of us to “cross the Jordan” into this new land? …as He invites us to boldly and joyfully say, “Yes! I’m in!”

Traditionally, the last Sunday of the church year – which this year falls on November 22nd, is called “Christ the King Sunday.” So why are we taking a break from our series to celebrate it today? Today marks the first day after the elections. Your preferred candidate may not have won but one thing we know; Christ is still the king of all…and we are His!