December 16, 2016
As we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect on Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Sometimes we sing, “God is all around us,” in our Sunday celebration. I wonder sometimes if that is a reality you experience. I know that I have felt God all around me as I stood on top of the mountain, while in my fishing boat in the middle of the lake, or with hands raised in a Christian worship set with likeminded people. Yes, we triumphantly exclaim, God is with us! But sometimes not so much.
Like when you are having a loud and animated discussion with your spouse or significant other? How about when your car is broke down on the side of the road and it is minus 20 outside? (I put that in for my Manitoban readers.) Or how about the time when you were misunderstood and the Facebook barbs were coming fast and heavy? Feeling God is with us, can be challenging when the bank account is empty, but the month is still half full. When the heart is willing, but the temptation is so strong. When we are in a crowd, but feeling completely alone. Where is Immanuel when our job is terminated, when our loved one dies unexpectedly, or when sickness invades our home?
Joseph could have felt the roller coaster of the Christian experience. God with us, all around us in times of great victory, but where can he be found in times of great distress? Imagine with me, how Joseph felt. He was about to get married to the woman of his dreams. Mary, a beautiful woman whose charm radiated from within and without was about to become his wife. As the time drew near for their marriage to be solemnized, he could feel God in every breath of the wind. He could hear God in the whispers of the trees. He was so enthralled by it all. My goodness, it was like he could touch God by just lifting his hands to heaven. Such is the ecstasy of love. And why not, God himself is love. But then it all came crashing down. (Read the story in Matthew 1: 18-25) Mary spills the beans and tells him a child is forming within her and it is not his. Of course it could not be his? The words screams in his head, they had never slept together.
This story tells us some things about God. Joseph did not react in judgement, or self-righteous indignation, but instead trusted God to come through. And that is our lesson today. Because our emotions are fickle, because our world is fallen, because bad things happen to good people, because we are a stiff necked and a
rebellious people, God himself has promised to send us Jesus. One who will be “with us”, in us, and around us. Never leaving us or forsaking us.
Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) Jesus wants to move in with us. He wants to live with us, in the good times and bad. He wants to experience with us, our ups and downs, our highs and lows, our joys and pains. He is Immanuel. God with us. This is the story of Christmas.
NEW – Growth Groups!
Growth Groups will be starting at KCF in the New Year!
Interested in knowing more or signing up? Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com.
Opportunities to Pray Together
Prayer is the life and breath or the church. You can join us at 10am on Sunday morning at KCF in the Sunday School Room and/or start your day out on the right foot and join us Wednesday mornings, 7am at KCF. Come and experience God moving.
Christmas Bake Sale
No time for Christmas baking? No problem. Come on down to S.H.A.R.E. Nelson this coming Saturday, December 17 from 10am – 3pm for the annual Bake Sale. All sale proceeds go to Our Daily Bread. Baked goods are welcome at KCF until 4:30pm Friday Dec 16 (no need to plate/package them) or contact Doreen Reimer at 250-354-2077. Delivery in disposable containers is ideal.
NEW! Junior Teens
Each Friday, from 4 – 5:30pm Youth ages 11 – 14 will meet at KCF and are welcome to stop in for some fun times.
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5