Hope Has a Name - Week 1

In the midst of our busiest season, we're invited to rediscover what truly matters: Emmanuel, God with us.

Drawing from Isaiah's ancient prophecies, we explore three transformative truths about this God who left heaven's perfection for earth's brokenness.

First, He came to serve us—offering Himself as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The question becomes deeply personal: will we actually allow Christ to serve us in these roles, or do we insist on handling everything ourselves? Second, He came to die for us, bearing our griefs and sorrows on the cross. Isaiah 53 reminds us that His wounds purchased our healing, His pain secured our peace. The manger and cross belong together—we cannot celebrate one without remembering the other. Finally, He came to rule over us. Micah's prophecy points to Bethlehem as the birthplace of an eternal King who feeds His flock with divine strength. This challenges us to examine where we're practicing delayed obedience, saying 'later' instead of 'yes' to His commands.

The beauty of Christmas isn't found in perfect nativity scenes or flawless celebrations, but in the scandalous reality that the God of the universe chose to become vulnerable, to serve, to suffer, and to save. This season calls us beyond the stress of gift-giving and party-attending to encounter the One who gave everything for us.