During the Advent/Christmas Season, we often hear the title "Emmanuel" spoken of concerning the infant Christ. But lately, I've been thinking of this term in a much broader way, and have realized that this title, which literally means "God with us," is such a rich description of God's saving work in history.
The students of the Christian Theology course I TA have been discussing the doctrine of the Trinity for the past couple of weeks, and I have been reminded of just how central this doctrine is to our faith as Christians. Sure, we rarely casually speak of God in Trinitarian language, but I would imagine, if we thought about it for a while, we'd realize just how Trinitarian the Christian faith is. As John Wesley wrote in his sermon, "On the Trinity":
"The knowledge of the Three-One God is interwoven with all true Christian faith; with all vital religion....I know not how any one can be a Christian believer till he 'hath,' as St. John speaks, 'the witness in himself;' till 'the Spirit of God witnesses with his spirit, that he is a child of God;' that is, in effect, till God the holy Ghost witnesses that God the Father has accepted him through the merits of God the Son: And, having this witness, he honours the Son, and the blessed Spirit, 'even as he honours the Father.' Not that every Christian believer adverts to this; perhaps, at first, not one in twenty: But if you ask any of them a few questions, you will easily find it is implied in what he believes."
At Christmas time, we often hear the title "Emmanuel" given to the infant Jesus, but it has occurred to me how we cannot limit giving this title to only the Second Person of the Trinity. IfChrist is "God with us," then he is "God with us." God the Father is certainly with us in God the Son. Therefore, Jesus can say, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father." But it's not even just the Father and Son who is with us. (In fact, not to point out the obvious, but while Jesus was with us, he is not anymore. He has since been raised, glorified, and has ascended back into heaven.) When we today say that "God is with us," we can only mean that he is with us by his Spirit. So when we say "Emmanuel," we must also be speaking of the Holy Spirit, who is truly God with us today.
I find this very reassuring, and feel the depth of the presence of God in a new way when using the title "Emmanuel." If you're still wondering, however, what any of this has to do with anything, then let me simply draw out a couple of implications:
(1) If "Emmanuel" designates only Jesus, then we believers living today may not rightly use the term, for Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, in heaven--he is not here, he has ascended to his throne. However, we have been given the deposit of the Spirit, who is also "Emmanuel," God with us!
(2) Sometimes I think we forget about the activity of the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. During this time of the year it is easy to remember the infant Jesus, but it seems difficult to recall the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us not forget, however, to praise the Father for the sending, not only of his Son, but also the continual sending of his Spirit. We who are alive today, separated from the Incarnate Christ, are not without the presence of God, because we have been given the presence of his Spirit, "Emmanuel."
May this title, "Emmanuel," become even richer to you during this Advent/Christmas Season, and may the God who is Father-Son-Spirit be "Emmanuel" always.
I have heard it said, pastors dont try to "answer" the right questions people are asking. This relates to the procedure of exegeting your audience, not just in preaching but in any ministry aspect. I say this because it seems at Christmas time, especially, we dont "answer" the right questions people are asking--no matter what form of ministry we are involved in. When I say answer in qoutations, I am emphasizing the uniqueness of how we each "answer" those around us. There is no one method or technique.
ReplyDeleteSo how does this relate to "Emmanuel?" Start to think of how many people are asking the question this Christmas, "Where is God?" We can become too over eager to answer that for people; however, what if we did understand that "Emmanuel" truly implied Trinitarian relational aspects. What if we became in tune with the Spirit working from the inside to the outside of us? With so many churches on the American landscape, why do so many people suffer from loneliness and isolation? Of course, we as humans are great at masking our true feelings so it is not always as easy to identify those in need. BUT, I have found when I purposely ask God to help me become less selfish, He is more than faithful to open my eyes to those hurting--literally becoming "Emmanuel."
We, the Christian Church of America, need to truly re-evaluate our perspectives. NO, we as individuals need to re-orient our lives, THEN corporately share how God is working in us individually and as a group. God is a relational God. We as Christ's Bride, the Church, empowered by the Spirit are called to be available to those around us in need. Try it out, a fair warning it is hardly ever convienvent when God asks us to help others...BUT once you make a habit of it you realize you are living the good, err God-Life.