Pastor’s Corner – December 21, 2025
Immanuel God with Us – Matthew 1:18-25
As we come near the end of Advent season, a name is given that takes on flesh as divine incarnation, Immanuel God with us. It’s hard to believe this possibility when so much of our world is hurting and suffering. Last week we shared our concern about how the Arlington City council voted to remove anti-discrimination language protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. We are also witnessing an increase in ICE kidnappings and disrupting immigrant lives. Meanwhile, the mass shooting at Brown University will stand in line among countless others before and to be sure will not be the last. All these seem unrelated, but they are all part of a larger design and policy choices we make as a society.
As much as we may feel powerless against violence everywhere, we have more than enough capacity to make a difference, as well as the awareness to make changes and create policies for the common good. As a community of faith we play a vital role to this end, not as a political entity or party but as a spiritual force grounded in our understanding of our humanity to care for marginalized, including those who are undocumented, victims of violence and holy innocents; children. We know in Jesus’ ministry he blessed them, centering their lives as God’s precious people.
There is a nativity scene on the front lawn of Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, with baby Jesus in a manger along with figures of masked Roman soldiers dressed as ICE agents in the background. The display was vandalized, destroying statues of Mary and Joseph. The church added a new sign that says Mary was beaten and dragged away in front of her son! Retelling the holy family story in our current context reminds us that the present oppression and injustice awaits greater truth of our lives that God does care and is among us here and now.
As we come to our fourth Advent Sunday, let us come together and worship God who became flesh and dwelled among us as Immanuel. The church display of the vandalized nativity scene will remain as is until Christmas Eve, when there will be a change in the display that will be a joy to the community. Amen.
Pastor Dae