Immanuel, God With Us

I will never forget Christmas Eve, 2007. It was on this evening that Lee and I first stepped into the sanctuary of Lebanon First United Methodist Church (LFUMC) for worship.

At that time, we were living in Louisville, Kentucky, and had returned to Tennessee for Christmas with our families. Knowing of the positive reputation of the music program at LFUMC, we chose to attend the Christmas Eve service. Though we knew no one, we felt a sense of belonging among the congregation as we joined in singing carols and pondered the scriptures about Jesus's birth.

That night was special for a reason close to my heart. Just weeks before, Lee and I had learned that I was pregnant. This miraculous news, still a secret not even shared with our family, filled us with awe. 

Being pregnant during Christmas added to the wonder. Reflecting on God's faithfulness in our lives, I experienced the presence of Immanuel, "God with Us," in a profound new way.  As we sang carols, cradling the news of my pregnancy, I felt a deep connection to Mary, pondering her own miraculous news.

Yet, in the months that followed, our journey took a heartbreaking turn. The joy I had felt was shattered as I held our stillborn daughter, Ellie Grace. The shock and pain were indescribable.

In the days, weeks, and months of grief that followed, I found solace in Jesus’s words from the Garden of Gethsemane: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). I experienced the presence of Immanuel, "God with Us," in a profound new way. Jesus knew my pain and was sad with me.

Francis Weller, a well-known author and psychotherapist, once wrote, “The work of a mature person is to hold grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by them.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me. My faith journey, through its highs and lows, has taught me that the promise of Immanuel, 'God with Us', holds true in all circumstances.

Back in 2007, little did I know that one day Lee and I would move to Lebanon, search for a church home, and find ourselves part of the LFUMC family. So, as we approach December 24, 2023, it will mark our second Christmas Eve service in LFUMC's sanctuary. We'll sing the carols, reflect on the scriptures, and rejoice in the birth of our Savior. I know I'll remember the sweet Christmas Eve of 2007, the subsequent grief, and how I found strength in God's unwavering presence. 

Loving God, In the stillness of this moment, we seek Your comforting presence, Immanuel, 'God with Us'. As we reflect on the journey of faith, from the joyous peaks to the deepest valleys, we are reminded of Your constant presence. We are grateful for the blessings, even those wrapped in mystery and challenge.  Help us to embrace both joy and sorrow with a heart of gratitude, trusting in Your unfailing love and wisdom. As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, fill our hearts with Your everlasting joy and peace. Amen.