Prompt: How does the Incarnation remind us JUST how much God loves us?
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
— John 1:14, NIV
It might be a little surprising, but one of my favorite Christmas Eve memories comes from 2020 — yes, that Christmas Eve, when we wore masks, kept our distance, and couldn’t really sing carols together.
I was grateful for the costumes and decorations from our church’s years of the Bethlehem Experience. I remember thinking, “Huh, WPC really was before its time with the whole drive through nativity thing…EVERY church in our area seems to be doing one this year.”
We set up a walking Nativity, starting at the top of the parking lot and winding down the sidewalk on our front lawn. Folks were invited to stop at seven different stations and hear the Christmas story. I stood in front of the Sanctuary and shared the same two-minute long sermon…over and over again…dozens of times.
We took signups and gave time slots that would limit contact, but I have no idea how many people actually came that night. What was clear was that people kept showing up — walking the path and hearing the story. There was a tangible longing to be present together, even if it was only for a moment.
The incarnation reminds us that God didn’t stay distant from us — the Word became flesh and “moved into the neighborhood.” On that quiet, strange Christmas Eve, we were reminded that God’s love is not abstract or far away, but near and embodied — Immanuel, God with us.
I hope you’ll be able to join us tonight as we celebrate. We’ll gather in the sanctuary at 4:30pm for a fun service geared toward families with younger children, and then again at 9:00pm for a candlelight service.
Give Financially - You may give during the service on Sunday, use one of the QR codes above, give online here, or mail a check to the church office: 32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
Contact the church staff with questions or concerns: info1@wpcwestlake.org or call 818.889.1491
