From the Pastor

Immanuel, “God with Us” Right Here and Now
(Matthew 1:18-25)

LCMS historian Dr. Paul L. Maier once said this about one thing that makes the Christian faith stand out among other world religions: “The divine-human encounter in the biblical faiths always involves claims about real people, living in real places, who acted in real events of the past” (In the Fullness of Time). That means that the first Christmas was about real people — just like you and me. It’s easy to forget but keeping that in mind matters.

In my mind I know Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not a fairy-tale princess bride. In my heart I realize Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus, was not the picture of worldly success and moral wisdom I sometimes imagine. Yet when I hear their story again this Christmas, wrapped in tinsel and glitter, it’s easy to forget their humanity. Mary was the mother of our Lord! Joseph was visited by an angel! Surely, they didn’t face ordinary struggles of dashed hopes or anxious thoughts about the future. But they did! Joseph wrestled with the fear that his betrothed might have been unfaithful. And we can imagine how Mary would have felt the weight of his anxiety.

Immanuel, ‘God with us,’ was born into real humanity — not someday, not once we’ve kept our promises, not when we’ve sorted out our lives. He is God with us now. He is God with us here. He enters our mess, walks with us, and rescues us. And what hope: in every darkness, the light of God’s love shines again through the Son of God, Jesus Christ!

As we celebrate Jesus’ first coming and await His return, we are also preparing for something new: a possible Ministry Expansion Campaign at Resurrection Lutheran Church in 2026. With the help of a consultant, we’re discerning if and when to begin. You’ll hear more soon. Watch for invitations this December — and remember, your voice matters.

I look forward to seeing you at our special December events: midweek Advent services on December 3, 10, and 17; our congregational meeting on December 7; the Christmas Cantata on December 14; and of course, our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. Thanks be to God that Jesus, our Immanuel, is ‘God with Us’ — not far away, not someday when we’ve straightened ourselves out, but right here and right now.

We prepare to receive Him again!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Jonathan