Sermon Index
December 24, Christmas Eve, 2020
Matthew 1:23Merry Christmas! And what makes it merry? It is because Jesus is with us.
This past year has not been the most merry of years for most people. On top of the usual disasters and tragedies and struggles and oppression and sin, there has been the deadly Covid-19 Corona Virus. There are three slogans we have been hearing all year: wash your hands, wear a mask, and observe social distancing. We have been doing this in the church, too. So, we keep our masks on while singing hymns and do not sit close together. And we fold those washed hands and pray. We pray for an end to the pandemic and we pray for the health and safety of our families and church members. We pray that Jesus will be with us.
The Christmas Gospel of Matthew says, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us." In this time of hand washing and wearing a mask and social distancing, Christ comes to be near us. There is no social distancing with Jesus. He comes as a child, and so even little children know that Jesus is with them. They know that he loves them and gives them peace and joy. He comes as a baby, and so mothers and fathers know that he is with them as they raise their children. Even unwed mothers and fathers see Mary and Joseph and know that the love of God is with them, too. He was born in a stable, so he is with even those who have no home or family.
When Jesus got older, he was with the poor, the sinners and the outcasts of society. The so-called righteous people kept their distance from them, not because they had disease, but to keep themselves religiously pure. But Jesus came to these people. He touched the sick and the lepers and healed them. He touched the eyes of the blind so that they could see. He spoke the good news of the Kingdom of God to all people so that they would know the love and salvation of God. At Christmas we realize that Jesus still comes to the poor and the lonely and the outcasts and even to the sinners. He comes to all of us tonight with the message of love and salvation.
When Jesus was active in his ministry, he was criticized for socializing and eating and drinking and associating with sinners. They crucified him between two sinners. In his life and death he kept no distance. In the same way he is with us sinners when we sin. Yes, even when we are sinning, Jesus does not abandon us. He is with us. That is why he was born, that is why he took the sin of the world upon himself and forgave it.
“Immanuel” --which means, “God with us” is a beautiful name for the Christ Child. He is with us always, but especially tonight as we worship and celebrate His Birth.
Amen.
May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you now and always. Amen.
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church