So here we are. It’s Christmas Eve… are you ready? Most of us have spent the last several weeks getting ready. Trees decorated. Gifts bought and wrapped. Holiday parties, family gatherings, and cards and letters sent far and wide. It’s all wonderful. There is a lot of pageantry to Christmas celebrations. But it all really comes down to the age old Christmas story we read together each year. What is this story really trying to say? The Bible is never just about then, but it’s also about now. It’s not just about the first Christmas characters, but it is also about you and me. Emmanuel came. God was there with Mary and Joseph, and God is with us, here and now.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:22-23)
May you never doubt that on this Christmas Eve. God is with you. God is with us in this moment. With the promise to never leave us or forsake us.
We hope you will join us tonight for our Christmas Eve Pastor’s Chat as we celebrate the Christmas story from our home to yours. Then may you awaken to a blessed Christmas Day celebrating the birth of Christ in your hearts and homes!
Please note that our in-person Sunday Service has been cancelled due to at least one known COVID case. We hope you will join us online instead for my message. The reality is that we all will face some dark days in our lives. What darkness are you facing currently in your life? What circumstances overshadow your days. Discover how Jesus has come to light your night in this message!
We look forward to your presence with us online this Sunday!
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor