This Christmas reflection invites us to rediscover the meaning of Emmanuel—God with us—through the courageous “yes” of Mary and the ongoing call for each of us to embody divine love in the world. The sermon explores how God chose to enter human life not in power or distance, but in vulnerability, depending on a young woman’s willingness to trust, nurture, and participate in God’s unfolding work. Mary’s unconditional “yes,” despite scandal, danger, and profound sorrow, becomes a model of openness to the Spirit and a reminder that God’s love often arrives through ordinary human hands.

Drawing on insights from theologian Rachel Held Evans and the timeless words of St. Teresa of Avila, the message emphasizes that Christ continues to come into the world through us. Our hands, feet, eyes, and daily actions become the means by which God expresses compassion, healing, and peace. The sermon weaves together personal stories of caregiving, teaching, and discernment to illustrate how each person’s life can become a vessel for God’s presence.

Ultimately, this Christmas message calls listeners to allowGod to be born within them—to say “yes” to love, justice, and service, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. By trusting God’s deep and abiding love, we make space for divine grace to move through us, bringing hope, reconciliation, and wholeness to a world longing for peace.

This sermon was preached by the Rev. Theresa Newell on the Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington.

All are welcome to fully participate at Episcopal Church ofthe Redeemer:

✅All races.

✅All religions.

✅All countries of origin.

✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.

✅All genders.

1. Christmas & Incarnation Themes

Christmas sermon

God with us

Emmanuel meaning

Incarnation theology

Christmas reflection

Meaning of Christmas

God becoming human

2. Mary’s “Yes” & Vocation

Mary’s yes

Mary and the incarnation

Mary as model of faith

Saying yes to God

Christian calling

Spiritual vocation

Trusting God’s call

3. Divine Vulnerability & Love

God’s vulnerability

God’s unconditional love

Divine compassion

God’s presence in suffering

Spiritual courage

God’s love in action

4. Embodying Christ in the World

Being the body of Christ

St. Teresa of Avila quote

Hands and feet of Christ

Living out the gospel

Christian service

Faith in action

Spiritual embodiment

5. Progressive & Inclusive Spirituality

Inclusive Christian message

Progressive Christianity

Modern faith reflections

Spiritual openness

Contemporary theology

Faith and justice

6. Personal Spiritual Growth

Saying yes to God

Deepening faith

Spiritual discernment

Trusting God’s love

Inner transformation

Christian mindfulness

7. Peace, Healing & Hope

Peace on earth

Healing and reconciliation

Hope in Christ

God’s love for the world

Spiritual renewal

Christmas hope