We just got back from our Christmas Eve candlelight service. Table Church and NW Community Friends Church met together and we had a sermonette from each of the pastors. The pastor from Table Church talked about how the night Christ was born wasn’t all that silent. Mary cried out as she was in labor, Jesus cried when he was born, and the heavenly host (probably heaven’s army) gave glory to God in the highest. Then it became silent as Jesus took His first nap and the shepherds came to visit. My pastor talked about the symbolism of the candy cane. It’s shaped like a shepherd’s crook, firm like the steadfastness of God, and striped red and white symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and purity.

This morning, I asked Mark a question that I will pose to you: In Isaiah, it said that the Messiah would be named Immanuel, God with us. (Isa 7:14, Matt 1:23) But the angel who came to Joseph said that the baby should be named Jesus, which means “the Lord saves” because He shall save His people from their sins. (Matt 1:21) Why didn’t God have them name Him Immanuel to make it clear that He was the one who fulfilled the prophecy? If you have any ideas on this subject, I’d be interested in hearing them.

Merry Christmas everyone!