Immanuel Lutheran Church

For the apostles, nets were not just tools; they were livelihood, identity, security, and future. Leaving them behind meant risk. Following Jesus still involves leaving nets behind—habits, identities, comforts, assumptions, or fears that keep us tethered to what feels safe. The gospel does not merely add something to our lives; it reshapes what we cling to. The question is not whether Jesus is calling—but what nets we are willing to leave behind in order to follow. Come, foll

There are moments in scripture when heaven seems to lean close to earth—when the ordinary is suddenly flooded with glory. The gospel story of Jesus’ baptism is one of those moments. Jesus steps into the Jordan River, not to repent, but to identify . Not to be exalted, but to enter fully  into the human story. And as He does, the heavens open. The Spirit does not arrive with thunder or fire, but as a dove—peaceful, present, empowering. It’s a reminder that God’s power often co

A child is born where no one expected a throne. Laid in a manger, Jesus arrives without spectacle, power, or protection. And that is the wonder: God does not wait for ideal conditions to draw near. He comes close in vulnerability, meeting us where we actually live—busy, uncertain, and weary. The familiar Christmas story also asks a gentle question of us: Where might God be showing up quietly in your life right now? " Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause gr

The Advent story reminds us that faith often begins where understanding ends. The seasons' message reframes everything: what appears broken is holy; what seems impossible is God at work. As Christmas approaches, we are reminded to listen for God’s voice when our plans unravel, to act with mercy even when clarity is incomplete, and to trust that Emmanuel still enters the world through willing, faithful hearts.

Preparation is not about polishing our image or elevating our worthiness—it is about opening our hearts. God does the heavy lifting. He fills the valleys of despair, levels the mountains of pride, straightens the crooked places where we wander, and smooths the rough edges of our lives. What we cannot repair, God restores. What we cannot overcome, God transforms. As you move through the Advent season, ask yourself: What in my life needs to be made straight or smooth for Christ