Immanuel “God with Us!”
Greetings Church Family, Friends, and Visitors
In the prophetic material as illustrated by the book of Isaiah 7:14 and the gospel writings of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 1:22-23, communities and people living in the time and context of the writers, find themselves facing horrible conditions and realties. These unfortunate realities precipitated a desperate need for hope, assistance, liberation, and salvation. Such emancipatory hope prompted an urgent need for an arrival of a messianic figure, who could govern, rule, redeem, restore lives, and reform communities ravished by evil and sin. The anticipated hope and expectation of the arrival of the Lord, also referred to as Messenger, King, Savior, or Messiah, created paradoxical responses among the people and nations. The diverse responses included great anticipation, joy, reverence, apprehension, fear, jealousy, hate, and more. Anticipation, joy, and reverence was the expression of the people who knew that their lives and lived conditions would finally improve because of His presence. Apprehension, fear, jealousy, and hate was the response of those currently in corrupt or complicit religious and governmental leadership. These persons often abused their power, lacked salvific interest and abilities to faithfully serve humanity, promoted or benefited from injustice, and were threatened by the coming of The One, whose Kingdom would have no end. For me, Jesus Christ was and is the messianic figure or revelation associated with the prophecies and exhortations of Isaiah, Malachi, and John the Baptist, who all sought to prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Today, we celebrate Advent, the remembrance and commemoration period leading to Jesus’ arrival as a baby in the manger. In addition, we prepare and participate in Christ’s ministry as we wait with expectation for Jesus, our Savior to come again to redeem humanity and our world once and for all. Let us take a moment to worship as we wait for the salvific hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus Christ alone brings. Jesus’ ability to be Immanuel with and among us certainly gives us the best chance in navigating our present age, experience human flourishing, and to be or become transformative witnesses as we wait on Jesus’ Second Advent. My friends, if we ever needed the Lord in our lives, within these United States, and across the world, we need the Lord now!
Church family, friends, and guest, you are invited to experience the presence of God, be overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, listen to beautiful music, and experience our radical love and hospitality. Please know that you are always welcome at Centennial Christian Church, where our vision is to be “A Lighthouse For All Who Seek the Lord.” Enjoy the season of Advent. May God bless you and give you the peace you deserve. Thank you for joining us. Merry Christmas!
Blessings
Rev. Derrick & Lady Bridget Perkins
