The Promise of Emmanuel

Scriptures: Isa.40:1-5; Jeremiah 33:14-16; 2 Cor. 1:20

The season of Advent has begun. It is the first season in the Christian calendar, and has been observed throughout Christendom since the sixth century. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” This season includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. Advent is properly observed as the season of preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth and it is a time of anticipation and waiting.

A central Advent symbol is the candle. A major custom of Advent includes the lighting four candles, one each week, symbolizing the coming of God’s gift of light into the world through Christ. The candles are strategically arranged in a circle wreath representing eternity, and adorned with evergreens, to represent undying faith.

Advent is the season when we once again hear scriptures read from the Old Testament prophets. The message of Christmas cannot be fully understood without their words. The primary task of these messengers of God was to challenge people to live in relationship with God, and in accordance to God’s laws and purposes. Sometimes their words were harsh and condemning, for the times and circumstances called for such boldness. Other times they offered words of hope and encouragement. Two of the prophets, Jeremiah and Isaiah, spoke of God’s promises of deliverance, from which the scriptures were read today.

The four weeks prior to Christmas Day have traditionally been a time of preparation. It is difficult to wait, because we are impatient people. We know the story and we are anxious to celebrate. Many clergy and church musicians insist that we move slowly toward Christmas by singing Advent hymns, and save the more traditional ones that tell the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth until Christmastide.

But it’s hard isn’t it? With all the secular songs of Christmas being played on the radio even prior to Thanksgiving, by December 1, we have already had our fill of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Frosty the Snowman. We long to hear songs with a message of substance, one that that reminds us of the reason for the season. Songs like O little Town of Bethlehem, or Away in a Manger help tell the age-old story. But Advent is a time of preparation, so let’s try to be patient with the liturgy and customs of this season prior to Christmas and use this time as a time of spiritual preparation.

Perhaps the most important thing we can do during Advent is recall God’s promise of Emmanuel. Understanding the word Emmanuel is essential to understanding Christmas. It reminds us of a central truth of our faith, for the word “Emmanuel” means God with us.

But what does ‘God with us’ mean? In the hustle and bustle of so many activities these days, where and how is God with us? My answer to that question is that it means that we are not alone and that we have companionship for the journey of life. It means that what Jesus promised to his disciples, he promises to us. It means that God comes to us sometimes in ordinary and unexpected places (like a stable in Bethlehem) and also in extraordinary times and places (like a hospital awaiting the outcome of tests for a serious illness.) Yes, God is with us in times of both joy and sorrow, when our hearts are glad as well as sad. At times God comes to us when we least expect it, but when we need to know God’s presence the most. Understanding Emmanuel keeps us focused on the true reason for the season.

But how do we claim the promise of Emmanuel? The secret is to come in faith seeking expectantly. Scriptures offer us these words of encouragement: “If with all your heart you seek me, you shall surely find me.” God’s presence is an ever-present reality in the lives of people of faith. God is an abiding presence providing us comfort and strength no matter what life may bring.

Following the communist take-over of Shanghai in 1949, Christian churches were forcibly closed. Dr. Lei, an elderly Christian physician, tells of his experience. The church building had been converted into a warehouse. The beautiful stained gas windows were boarded up, and padlocks placed on the doors. On the Christmas Eve after his church had been closed, Dr. Lei and his wife felt compelled to go to their former place of worship. So they went out into a cold dark rainy night and began the walk to their former church. As they drew near, they became aware that others were walking with them. Before long they had gathered in front of the old church building with fellow Christians. For several hours they stood there in silence. No hymns were sung, no sermon preached. There were no candles or symbols, nothing that is usually associated with the observance of Christmas. But as the clock stuck midnight, a powerful word was whispered and began to spread among them. The word was “Emmanuel.” And in spite of being forced to live under communist control, as they heard that word, it gave them hope and their faith was renewed.

So, as we observe Advent, let us claim once again the promise of Emmanuel -- God with us. When we do, we, too, will be given hope and find our faith renewed, and we will come to know all the joys of this holy season that draws us closer to God.