Rev. Jennie Barber’s sermon, “God With Us,” reflects on Matthew 1:18–23 by using the metaphor of punctuation to explore faith, doubt, and hope in the Christmas story. She focuses on Joseph’s disrupted plans and quiet faith, showing how his story invites both question marks—honest doubts about where God is in times of fear, loss, and uncertainty—and exclamation points—hope rooted in the promise that Emmanuel, God with us, has come. Barber emphasizes that questioning is not a lack of faith but a sign of authentic trust, and that God’s compassion does not remove suffering but sustains us within it. Ultimately, the sermon proclaims the core truth of Christmas: in Jesus Christ, God draws near, shares fully in human struggle, and remains our refuge, helper, and love—God is with us. Period.
God With Us – Matthew 1: 18-23
God With Us – Matthew 1: 18-23
December 21, 2025
Book: Matthew