At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we hold dear the transformative truth that “Jesus changes everything.” This profound statement is not just a mantra but a reality that shapes our lives and mission. As we delve into the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, we are reminded of the miraculous birth of Jesus, foretold as Emmanuel, “God with us.” This prophecy, fulfilled in the birth of Christ, is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness and His desire to be intimately involved in our lives.
Study: To Love and Know God
The prophecy from Isaiah, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Emmanuel,” invites us to study and reflect on the depth of God’s plan for humanity. This ancient promise, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, underscores the importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture to understand God’s character and His redemptive work throughout history. As we study, we grow in our love and knowledge of God, recognizing that He has been orchestrating His plan of salvation long before we could comprehend it.
In the Gospel of Matthew, this prophecy is echoed as the angel reassures Joseph of the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy (Matthew 1:22-23). This fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful reminder that God’s Word is living and active, guiding us to a deeper understanding of His love and purpose for our lives.
Share: To Know and Love Others
The message of Emmanuel, “God with us,” is a message of hope and transformation that we are called to share with others. At Lakeview, we believe in the power of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us and offer us a way out of sin and death. This Christmas season, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the joy and hope that His presence brings to our lives.
In the same way that Mary and Elizabeth shared in the joy of their miraculous pregnancies, we are called to share the joy of Christ’s presence with those around us. As we share, we fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), bringing the light of Christ into a world that desperately needs His hope and peace.
Serve: Love in Action
The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate act of love in action. God did not leave us in our sin but intervened in our “lower story” by sending His Son to be with us, to live among us, and to ultimately sacrifice Himself for our redemption. This act of love compels us to serve others, to put our love into action as a reflection of Christ’s love for us.
At Lakeview, we are committed to serving our community and beyond, embodying the love of Christ through acts of service and compassion. As we serve, we live out our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us,” demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s love in tangible ways.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season, let us remember that He is Emmanuel, “God with us.” This truth changes everything, inviting us to study, share, and serve as we live out our faith. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to being the change in our world, guided by the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
May this season be a time of reflection, transformation, and joy as we embrace the presence of Emmanuel in our lives. Let us give Him all the praise, honor, and glory for the way He has intervened in our story, offering us a way out of sin and into eternal life. Merry Christmas!
