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"Emmanuel: Glimpses of God Incarnate," December 19
Sunday, December 19
21Exodus 14:21-23 & 27-30
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“God as Deliverer”
MUCH OF THE PAST TWO YEARS has been a real journey into the unknown and, dare I say, unprecedented. COVID hit and the “normalcy” of life changed drastically. The concept of “deliverer” took on more meanings during the pandemic as many began to have provisions delivered to their homes in addition to the more usual pizza or parcels. Obstacles arose that challenged everyday existence in so many ways. The interruption to the supply chain reared its ugly head. Employment conditions changed overnight. Zoom became everyone’s best friend and worst enemy all at once. Restrictions imposed by governmental agencies, schools, stores, and just the sea of expectations encompassing us all seemed to send “pillars of fire and smoke” to obscure a clear path forward with nowhere to retreat. Not to mention the very real threat that sickness and possibly death lay directly in the path ahead. All of this threatened individual and collective mental and emotional health as worry for loved ones increased and the witness of the suffering and loss of persons worldwide drew daily attention.
This is nothing new. The perils faced by humankind have always been a part of our journey. Our text recounts perils of a physical nature as well as questions of personal faith and dependence upon a “Deliverer” when we face that which we cannot overcome on our own. In our context, questions were raised which were met not only by strong leadership but just as importantly a willingness of the people to encourage one another to get through such dire straits. We have been challenged by myriad justice issues: racial, immigrant, civil, employment, and issues of care for the very young and old unable to advocate for themselves. If we approach this season recognizing Jesus as “Deliverer,” claiming to have him living within us, we must follow the leadership of his spirit of love and concern for all others. Only then will we have truly gotten a glimpse of Emmanuel.