Opening
Hope gives way to joy! God meets us in the ordinariness and messiness of life and enters it, because we are so loved.
Isaiah 9:6
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Reflection
Who can begin to fathom this incomprehensible, moving news?
Look at who our God is, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” What’s more, God is One who enters our humanity as one of us, and into the messiness of our lives. God is Emmanuel, God with us. What could mean more? God knows what it is to be us, in our everyday moments, and in our life-changing moments. When we are celebrating life’s special occasions, and when we are grieving our deepest losses. God sees us. God hears us. God is with us. Praise God for this blessing beyond words.
How very loved we are. If you are not feeling that this day, may the truth of these words seep into the deepest part of you, taking root. You are so loved.
Prayer
Oh God praise you for who and all you are, and for being Emmanuel, God with us.
How truly blessed we are. May we live it out in the world, embodying you. Amen.
Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff, Executive Director