Emmanuel: Celebrating Hope, Peace, and Gratitude

The sermon at Menlo Church's 2023 Christmas concert, titled "Night of Noel | A Nostalgic Christmas Concert," begins with a warm welcome to attendees and an acknowledgment of the church's 150th anniversary. The speaker reflects on the imperfect world into which Jesus was born—a world filled with darkness, pain, and injustice. The longing for a Savior, Emmanuel, to bring light and deliverance is emphasized, and the prophecy of a child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace is recounted. The story of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary in Nazareth is introduced, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus.

The sermon continues with a focus on the significance of angels singing to announce the news of Jesus' birth, a joy echoed by Christians who also sing to hear this news. The anticipation of the promise fulfilled in Jesus is highlighted, and Mary's role as the mother of a child who would walk on water, save humanity, and be the Lord of all creation is pondered.

The love for Jesus and the joyous news of Christmas are reiterated, with the congregation expressing their adoration for Christ the King. The biblical account of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem for the census is narrated, with the angels' songs providing a backdrop to the story.

The speaker then delves into the need for peace in the world and in individual lives. While people pray for global peace and the end of conflict, the sermon reminds listeners of the personal peace they often overlook. The importance of remembering the peace one needs during different seasons of life, whether joyful or burdensome, is underscored.

The angel's announcement to Mary is recounted, detailing the miraculous conception of Jesus and Mary's humble acceptance of her role. The sermon emphasizes Mary's significance and concludes with a reflection on the glory of Jesus, full of grace and truth, and the joy of celebrating His birth.

Finally, the speaker expresses profound gratitude, emphasizing the transformative power of a grateful heart. The congregation is encouraged to cultivate gratitude in their daily lives, acknowledging the blessings received and the contentment it brings.

Key Takeaways:

- The anticipation of a Savior in a world filled with darkness underscores the profound need for hope and deliverance that Jesus' birth represents. This longing for Emmanuel, God with us, is a reminder of the light that can penetrate the deepest darkness and the promise of a ruler who embodies peace and justice. [09:34]

- The joy of the angels singing at the announcement of Jesus' birth is a testament to the significance of this event. It is not only a historical moment but a cause for continual celebration. As Christians sing in response to this news, they participate in a tradition of joy that transcends time and connects them to the heavenly chorus. [40:00]

- The personal peace that individuals often forget in their prayers for global tranquility is a crucial aspect of the Christmas message. The sermon's emphasis on this internal peace serves as a reminder that the peace of Christ is meant to dwell within us, transforming our hearts and minds amidst life's various seasons. [59:48]

- Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel and her acceptance of God's plan is a powerful example of faith and obedience. Her willingness to serve as the Lord's servant, despite the impossibility of her situation, illustrates the belief that with God, nothing is impossible. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's plans and to be open to His workings, even when they seem beyond human understanding. [12:52]

- Gratitude is highlighted as a transformative force in the believer's life. The repeated expressions of thanks serve as a call to recognize and appreciate the blessings we have, which can lead to joy and fulfillment. The practice of gratitude is presented as a spiritual discipline that can shape one's perspective and bring about a deeper sense of contentment. [01:17:34]

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:2-7 (NIV)
> "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

2. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
> "In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her."

3. Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)
> "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."

#### Observation Questions
1. What titles are given to the child prophesied in Isaiah 9:6? How do these titles reflect the nature of Jesus?
2. How did Mary respond to the angel Gabriel's announcement in Luke 1:38? What does this reveal about her character?
3. Describe the circumstances of Jesus' birth as narrated in Luke 2:1-7. How do these details emphasize the humility of His arrival?
4. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the angels singing at Jesus' birth? [40:00]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2-7 tell us about the kind of Savior Jesus would be? How does this prophecy provide hope in a world filled with darkness?
2. How does Mary's acceptance of God's plan in Luke 1:38 serve as an example of faith and obedience for believers today? [12:52]
3. The sermon emphasizes the need for personal peace amidst prayers for global peace. How does the peace of Christ transform our hearts and minds in different seasons of life? [59:48]
4. Reflect on the joy expressed by the angels and Christians in response to Jesus' birth. How does this joy connect believers to the heavenly chorus and the historical event of Jesus' birth? [40:00]

#### Application Questions
1. The sermon highlights the anticipation of a Savior in a world filled with darkness. How can you personally bring hope and light to those around you who are experiencing darkness? [09:34]
2. Mary's response to the angel Gabriel was one of humble acceptance. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust in God's plan, even if it seems impossible? How can you take a step of faith this week? [12:52]
3. The sermon reminds us of the importance of personal peace. What are some practical ways you can cultivate the peace of Christ in your daily life, especially during stressful times? [59:48]
4. The joy of the angels singing at Jesus' birth is a cause for continual celebration. How can you incorporate this joy into your worship and daily life, especially during the Christmas season? [40:00]
5. Gratitude is emphasized as a transformative force. Can you identify three specific blessings in your life that you are grateful for? How can you express this gratitude in a tangible way this week? [01:17:34]
6. The sermon speaks about the need for peace in the world and in individual lives. How can you be a peacemaker in your community or family? What steps can you take to resolve conflicts and promote harmony? [59:48]
7. Reflecting on the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, how can you show hospitality and kindness to those who may be in need or facing difficult circumstances this holiday season? [37:07]

Day 1: Hope Illuminates the Darkest Nights
In a world often shrouded in darkness, the birth of Jesus stands as a beacon of hope, promising deliverance and light. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast assurance that in the midst of pain and injustice, Emmanuel, God with us, is present to guide and comfort. The anticipation of this Savior is a testament to the enduring light that overcomes the deepest shadows. [09:34]

Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the light of Christ to shine through and provide hope?

Day 2: The Eternal Song of Joy
The angels' celestial anthem at Jesus' birth is a melody that resonates through the ages, inviting all to join in the chorus of joy. This divine announcement is not merely a historical footnote; it is an ongoing celebration of the fulfillment of God's promise, a joy that Christians are called to echo in their lives and worship. [40:00]

Luke 2:13-14 - "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
Reflection: How can you embody the joy of the angels in your daily interactions and worship practices?

Day 3: The Gift of Personal Peace
While prayers often ascend for world peace, the tranquility offered by Christ is also deeply personal, meant to reside within the heart. This peace is a cornerstone of the Christmas message, a reminder that amidst life's tumultuous seasons, the peace of Christ is a sanctuary for the soul, transforming one's inner life. [59:48]

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to cultivate the peace of Christ in your heart, especially during challenging times?

Day 4: Faith in the Face of Impossibility
Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel and her subsequent acceptance of God's plan exemplify a faith that transcends human logic. Her story encourages believers to trust in the divine, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, and to remain open to God's miraculous workings in their own lives. [12:52]

Luke 1:37-38 - "For no word from God will ever fail. 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to exercise faith like Mary's and trust in God's promises?

Day 5: Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude is not merely a feeling but a transformative practice that shapes one's perspective and brings contentment. By acknowledging the blessings in life, believers can foster a heart of thankfulness, which in turn leads to a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. This spiritual discipline is a powerful tool for personal growth and happiness. [01:17:34]

Colossians 3:15-16 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Reflection: What are three specific blessings in your life today for which you can express gratitude to God?

Again, welcome. We'll be starting our 2023 Christmas concert in just about five minutes.

And again, if there is room in the arpeuse, some of you are squeezed together like sardines already, but if there is some extra space and you can scoot over and keep room on the end, we still have a lot more folks who are coming into the room.

So it'll be a wonderful, wonderful concert, and we'll be starting in five minutes. This is a great opportunity for you all to turn them off, and you all want to sit there and try it all right now.

Well, welcome to our 2023 Christmas concert at Menlo Church. My name is Mark, and I am so glad you are here. If you are a part of our church, if you are part of the larger community, those of you who are joining us on our live stream right now or watching on YouTube, we're so glad to have this moment together.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Menlo Church, which means 150 Christmases have been celebrated in downtown Menlo Park. And we're just so excited that we get to spend it together with all of you.

There's so much warm moments in this service, familiar carols and readings and kids singing, but of course that first Christmas long ago, it wasn't all perfect. Things were not all right with the world. There was great darkness, there was pain, there was injustice, and for centuries, God's people longed for, yearned for a Savior, for someone who would come and begin to make things right to help bring the world as it ought to be, and they called that Savior Emmanuel.

God with us, and they prayed for Emmanuel to come and deliver.

Oh, come, Emmanuel, and run some captives in Israel, that mourns in lowly exile here, until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to you, O Israel.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nations and increased that joy. They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Please sing with us.

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to you, O Israel.

Oh, come, desire of nations bright, in one of the hearts of all mankind, in the South Ghura, the Lord of the Everart, in prayer the Samus of the North, in définge, the wine of Allah.

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.

The virgin's name was Mary, and the angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever. His kingdom will never end."

"How will this be?" Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come over you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month, for no word from God will ever fail."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, "may your word to me be fulfilled." And then the angel left her.

Oh, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary,

"For centuries, God's people longed for, yearned for a Savior, for someone who would come and begin to make things right to help bring the world as it ought to be, and they called that Savior Emmanuel." [09:34]

"All this time we've waited for the promise. The angels sing to hear the news." [42:41]

"Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation." [48:44]

"Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old age and she, who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month, for no word from God will ever fail." [12:52]

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered, "may your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. [14:08]

"The glory of the one and only son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." [19:53]