Lutheran churches have taken on a variety of names through the years. I grew up at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, IL, a congregation established in 1910. This name evokes the Godly mystery of the one God in three persons that we worship. Many congregations adopted names of key Biblical figures, such as St. John’s, St. Paul’s, and St. Peter’s. Others take on names that share key spiritual characteristics, like Faith, Grace, and Hope. More recently churches embraced names that evoke geographical features. My current congregation of Shepherd of the Hills is one of these congregations.

This week I read Max Lucado’s book Because of Bethlehem, which contains a series of thoughts about Christmas and the meaning of Christ’s birth into this world. One chapter, in particular, led me to think more deeply about a spiritual truth, that being Immanuel — “God with us”. So many times I move quickly past this theology, having read this so many times in the prophecies of Isaiah as part of Advent devotions. Lucado, however, really drills home the incredible impact of this truth. Jesus experienced EVERYTHING we experience — hardship, disappointment, grief, temptation — EVERYTHING. We truly have someone who completely understands our situations and circumstances. The wonder of Christmas is that God didn’t just send a messenger or offer guidance from a distance. He came Himself. He entered our world as a vulnerable infant, experiencing the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and trials, that are part of the human experience. We are not alone! Because of Christmas, we now have a Savior who fully knows us and our daily walk. What a blessing!

I think that if I were to establish a congregation today, I would name it “Immanuel”. While pointing to the saints of old and to spiritual gifts might be helpful, what is even more profound is the reminder of “God With Us”, something offered to us by our God is unmatched in the human experience. As we all enjoy our Christmas celebrations, I pray that Immanuel is not merely an ancient promise but a real and present reality for each of us. MERRY CHRISTMAS!