Many of us wonder, Am I praying right? Do I have to say the exact words? Does God really hear me? Family Pastor Annette Dennison answers these questions with Scripture, a personal healing testimony, and a simple framework for a life of prayer you can actually live. Prayer is not performance—it’s relationship.
“Prayer doesn’t change things; God changes things… It’s the God to whom we pray who has all power.” – Pastor Annette Dennison
What Is Prayer, Really?
Prayer is an honest conversation with God—real emotions, real requests, and a real relationship. It’s how we cultivate friendship with Him and grow in joy.
“Prayer is our primary portal to joy… The more you pray, the more you think to pray.” – Pastor Annette Dennison
Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer (Matthew 6:5–15)
Jesus warns against praying to be seen and invites us into secret, sincere communion with the Father:
Matthew 6:5–8 (NIV): “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen… And when you pray, do not keep on babbling… for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Then He offers a pattern we can follow:
Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
And He adds:
Matthew 6:14–15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Key takeaway: The Lord’s Prayer is a pattern, not a performance. It reorients our hearts to God’s name, God’s will, God’s provision, God’s mercy, and God’s leadership.
Does Prayer “Work”? Faith and God’s Power
Mark 11:24: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Faith isn’t magic words—it’s trust in the God who answers.
Annette shared how, after the church prayed over her, doctors who previously saw four pituitary tumors found none on the follow-up scan. Her response?
“My God took them away.” – Pastor Annette Dennison
James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Why Solitude Matters—Jesus Shows the Way
Jesus practiced secret prayer—often, and for long stretches.
Luke 6:12: “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”
Mark 1:35–38: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up… to a solitary place, where he prayed…”
Solitude clears the noise so you can give God your undivided attention and learn spiritual discipline.
Psalm 100: “Worship the Lord with gladness… Enter his gates with thanksgiving…”
Gratitude is the doorway to deeper love.
Why Pray Together? The Power of Corporate Prayer
2 Chronicles 7:14–15: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven… I will forgive… and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
When God’s people humble themselves, repent, and seek His face together, communities change.
Four Practical Levels of Prayer
Annette outlined a simple path you can start today:
Talking to God – Pray Scripture (Psalms), historic prayers, or sing.
Talking with God – Share details of your life with gratitude; ask for help (petition) and stand in the gap for others (intercession).
Listening to God – Make quiet space to hear His “still, small voice.”
Being with God – Rest in His presence: “To look at Him, looking at us in love.”
Try This Today
Find a quiet moment. Pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly.
Add your own words: Name a need, confess a sin, thank God for one gift, ask for guidance.
Sit in silence for one minute and listen.
Text a friend: “How can I pray for you today?”
Before bed, whisper: “Father, I trust You with this.”
Looking for a Church in Bradford, PA?
If you’re spiritually curious or hurting and wondering how to pray, we’d love to walk with you.
Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA is a place to find hope, healing, and purpose in Jesus—together in microchurches and on Sundays.
Search intent this post serves:Why am I so tired? Does God really want me to rest? What is the Sabbath? How do I practice Sabbath today? What happens if I never slow down?
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, we’re walking through Do As I Do—a series about apprenticing under Jesus. In Part 2, Pastor Rich Dennison asks a surprising, very practical question: What if the “key” you forgot in your life is rest?
Jesus said, “I am the way.” He didn’t hand us a self-help checklist—He lived God’s original design and invited us to follow it. And God’s way starts with something most of us neglect: Sabbath.
Why Am I So Tired—And Does God Really Want Me to Rest?
Most of us are chronically exhausted—overbusy, underslept, and running on fumes. Tiredness is part of life, but many of us live at a dangerous level of tired, so worn down that we struggle to sense God’s presence or hear His voice.
From page one of the Bible, God’s rhythm is clear: the day begins with rest (sundown), and the week begins with Sabbath (rest). Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to apprenticeship under Jesus.
What Is the Sabbath—And Why Did God Command It?
Exodus 20:8–11 (NIV)
8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Why we need it (in plain language):
To counterbalance the other six days of work
To restore mind, body, and spirit
To worship and fellowship—real connection with God and people
To declare freedom from a culture that says your worth = your productivity
To remember creation and the Creator—the day He blessed and made holy
Did Jesus Break the Sabbath—or Redefine It?
Some accused Jesus of “breaking” Sabbath when His disciples plucked grain because they were hungry. Jesus corrected man-made restrictions and restored God’s heart for Sabbath.
Mark 2:23–28 (NIV)
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Key truths:
Jesus was sinless—He didn’t violate God’s law. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
He fulfilled and restored Sabbath, prioritizing mercy, compassion, and human need over rigid rule-keeping.
Sabbath is a gift meant to draw us closer to God—a blessing, not a burden.
What Happens If I Don’t Slow Down?
When we never rest, we’re not trusting God. We start living as if everything depends on our hustle and nothing depends on His provision. Scripture warns that unbelief hardens hearts and keeps us from God’s rest.
Hebrews 3:7–19 (NIV, excerpt)
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion…” 11 “They shall never enter my rest.” 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God… 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
How Do I Practice Sabbath in Real Life?
Think race-car pit stop: after a hard run, everything must be cleaned, inspected, and tuned so it can finish the race. Sabbath is your weekly restoration bay.
Five simple steps to start:
Prepare (day before): finish shopping, cleaning, errands so they won’t hijack your Sabbath.
Set boundaries: decide what you’re not doing—work, email, social scroll, etc.
Embrace life-giving activities: special meals • time with family/friends • hobbies • reading/nap • walk in nature • journaling/prayer • worship with your church community
Reflect & debrief: What renewed you? What did God highlight? Share it with someone.
Integrate the rhythm: Make Sabbath a regular, life-giving habit that brings joy, peace, and calm.
God attaches promises to obedience:
Isaiah 58:10–14 (NIV, excerpt)
10 …your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden… 12 …Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. 13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath… 14 then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph…”
Is Sabbath Still About Rules—or About Relationship?
Jesus shows Sabbath is about relationship and restoration. He’s Lord of the Sabbath, and He invites you to trust His rhythm so your soul can breathe.
Bottom line:Six is enough. On the seventh, rest in Him.
A Word on Communion: How Do I Come to the Table Worthily?
As we rest and remember, we also come to Jesus’ table with humility—not trusting our own righteousness but His mercy.
1 Corinthians 11:26–29 (NIV)
26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Simple prayer posture: confession, cleansing, communion—receive what Jesus has already done.
Ready to Try a Real Sabbath This Week?
Start small: pick a start time and end time (e.g., Saturday 6pm–Sunday 6pm).
Make one no-work rule and one life-giving plan (meal, walk, worship).
Ask God to meet you in the quiet.
➡️ Watch the full message on our YouTube channel and walk this out with us. 🙌 Or join us Sunday mornings at 71 Congress Street in Bradford, PA.
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, we recently celebrated 28 new lives in Christ through baptism. Baptism is a powerful step of faith—but it’s also a starting line, not the finish. The real question is: Now what?
That’s where our new series, Do As I Do, begins. Jesus never said, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Instead, He invited us to actually live the way He lived.
What Are You Following Right Now?
Whether we admit it or not, we’re all following something.
Culture and its shifting opinions 📺
Family and friends’ expectations 👪
Money and success 💼
Our own version of the “American dream” 🏡
But can these things really satisfy? Jesus said:
Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
In other words, you can’t follow both. At some point, you’ll have to decide which path you’re really on.
What Did Jesus Actually Invite People Into?
In the first century, rabbis (teachers) never pursued students. Students had to beg to follow a rabbi, like applying to an Ivy League school.
But Jesus flipped the script. He went out of His way to call people personally:
Mark 1:16–20 (NIV)
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 2:13–15 (NIV)
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
Notice—He didn’t invite them to “become Christians” (that word came later). He invited them to apprentice under Him—to learn a whole new way of living.
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus Today?
Pastor Zoe laid out three rhythms for what it really looks like:
Be with Jesus
Become like Jesus
Do what Jesus did
This isn’t a program or a checklist. It’s a way of life. Spend time with Him, let that time transform you, and then live differently because of it.
How Do I Actually Spend Time With God?
Being with Jesus starts with simple, practical steps:
Prayer: Talking and listening.
Abiding (meno in Greek means “stay”): Staying close to Him, like a loyal friend or even a lapdog at your feet.
Contemplation: Fixing your thoughts and emotions on Him. Making Him your true home.
An old peasant once described his prayer this way: “I look at Him, He looks at me, and we are happy.” That kind of relationship is what Jesus invites you into.
How Do I Become More Like Jesus?
Being with Him naturally leads to becoming like Him. That happens through:
Teaching: Reading Scripture, hearing preaching, listening for God’s voice.
Practice: Engaging in rhythms like Sabbath, prayer, fasting, solitude, generosity, and service.
Community: Real transformation happens with others, not in isolation. God Himself exists in community (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
And there’s one clear test: Am I becoming more loving? Ask yourself—and even better, ask the people around you. If love is growing, you’re on the right track.
Why Does Following Jesus Involve Struggle?
Becoming like Jesus is not instant—it takes time, surrender, and yes, even suffering.
Matthew 10:24–25 (NLT)
24 Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!
Matthew 10:24–25 (MSG)
A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?
If Jesus suffered, why would we think we get out of it? Hardship is often where real growth happens.
But here’s the encouragement: change doesn’t come from our willpower—it comes from surrender to the Holy Spirit.
What’s More Important: My Resume or My Legacy?
When life is over, people won’t remember us for our accomplishments as much as how we loved them. Are you living for your résumé, or your eulogy?
Funerals remind us of this truth: people share stories not of achievements, but of kindness, love, and presence. That’s what lasts.
What Did Jesus Actually Do?
We don’t just be with Him and become like Him for ourselves—we do it so we can do what He did.
Hospitality: Making people feel welcome.
Preaching the Gospel: Sharing good news with our words.
Demonstrating the Gospel: Showing God’s love through miracles, healing, justice, and compassion.
The end goal? To grow into the kind of person who can say and do the things Jesus said and did.
Am I Ready to Follow Jesus?
Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder—it’s about training with Him as your coach. Like preparing for a 10K, it takes small steps, consistency, and daily commitment.
As St. Augustine said: “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.”
The same Spirit who empowered Jesus is available to empower you today. But discipleship means counting the cost:
Luke 14:25–33 (MSG)
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. … Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.”
It sounds harsh, but Jesus is honest: following Him means leaving behind competing loves. Are you ready?
What Do You Really Want?
In John’s gospel, Jesus asked a life-changing question:
John 1:35–39 (NIV)
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
Jesus still asks the same today: What do you want?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been chasing culture, money, or success and still feel empty, Jesus is inviting you into a better way.
➡️ You can watch this full message on our Open Arms YouTube channel. 🙌 Or better yet, join us in person Sunday mornings at 71 Congress Street in Bradford, PA. Find service times and plan your visit here.
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, you’ll find a community where hope, healing, and purpose are waiting for you.
If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I have trouble trusting others?” or “Why do my relationships feel stuck?” — you’re not alone. Studies show that 75% of adults do not remember receiving comfort as children during times of distress. That lack of comfort often leads to insecure attachment styles, making it harder to build healthy relationships as adults.
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, Pastor Zoe Hatcher shared how God’s love offers a different way forward through a simple but powerful tool called the Comfort Circle.
What Is the Comfort Circle?
The Comfort Circle is a process that helps us build trust in our relationships by learning how to:
Seek Awareness – Identify what we’re really feeling.
Engage – Share those feelings honestly and vulnerably.
Explore – Listen with empathy, reflect, and validate the other person’s experience.
Resolve – Meet one another’s needs through forgiveness, compromise, and action.
This process doesn’t just apply to marriage. It can transform our parenting, our friendships, and even how we interact with coworkers.
Step 1: How Do I Become More Aware of My Feelings?
It starts with self-awareness. Many of us only describe emotions as “good” or “bad,” but God designed us with a wide spectrum of feelings. Tools like a feelings wheel can help us identify emotions such as gratitude, insecurity, irritation, peace, loneliness, or joy.
The Bible encourages this kind of reflection:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23
When we invite God into our emotions, He helps us sort through them with clarity and grace.
Step 2: How Do I Share My Feelings Without Starting a Fight?
The next step is courage. Vulnerability is risky, but it’s how trust is built. Instead of blaming statements, use “I” statements to communicate your experience.
Example: ❌ “You never listen to me.” ✅ “I felt ignored and sad when you didn’t respond after I shared my heart.”
As Ephesians 4:25 reminds us:
“Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…”
Step 3: How Do I Listen When I Don’t Agree?
Listening doesn’t mean staying silent while you prepare your defense. It means truly entering into the other person’s experience.
Use reflective statements like: “It sounds like you felt hurt and afraid. I’d feel that way too.”
Ask clarifying questions.
Resist the urge to interrupt, defend, or correct.
James 1:19 gives this timeless wisdom:
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Step 4: How Do We Resolve Conflict and Restore Trust?
Resolution happens when the listener asks: “What do you need?”
The speaker should make one specific, reasonable request. For example: “I need you to wash the dishes on nights when I have late meetings, because I feel unappreciated when I come home to a full sink.”
Meeting each other’s needs, apologizing when necessary, and following through builds trust over time. Galatians 6:2 reminds us:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
What Happens When We Complete the Comfort Circle?
Anxiety lowers — the relationship feels safer.
Closeness increases — bonds grow deeper.
Trust is built — love flows more freely.
As 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 says:
“God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Can Broken Attachment Styles Really Be Healed?
Yes. While we can’t change the past, we can choose to live differently today. God invites us into a new way of loving:
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” — Colossians 3:12–14
Through the Comfort Circle, our avoidant, controlling, or anxious patterns can be healed. We move closer to secure attachment — the way God designed love to work.
What Does God’s Love Teach Us About Relationships?
The Comfort Circle is not just a psychological tool; it reflects the very heart of God. Jesus prayed in John 17 for us to experience the same intimacy He shares with the Father:
“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” — John 17:21
That means our marriages, friendships, and families can become a reflection of the unity of the Trinity itself.
Final Thought: Choosing to Love Like Jesus
Every day, we have the choice to either repeat cycles of distrust and fear, or to lean into God’s perfect love. By seeking awareness, engaging vulnerably, listening with empathy, and resolving with action, we can reflect His love in our closest relationships.
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, our purpose is simple: Loving God. Loving People. And learning to love well is where it all begins.
Why do we keep having the same fight over and over again?
Why do I feel like I’m always chasing closeness while my spouse runs away?
Why do I shut down when emotions get intense?
These are the kinds of questions Josh and Zoe Hatcher wrestled with in their marriage. In Part 3 of the Language of Love series at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, they shared openly about their struggles and the breakthrough moments God brought.
The truth is this: the drama in their relationship was tied to patterns they had formed growing up—patterns known as love styles.
What Are Love Styles and Why Do They Matter?
A love style is the relational pattern you learned in childhood based on how you received love, comfort, or connection. These early lessons often carry into adulthood, quietly shaping the way you interact with others.
Some common love styles include:
The Avoider – keeps emotions at a distance, minimizes conflict, avoids vulnerability.
The Vacillator – longs for closeness but fears abandonment; swings between high hopes and deep disappointment.
The Pleaser – works hard to keep peace but hides true needs.
The Controller or Victim – patterns that create chaos, tension, and power struggles.
Josh identified as an Avoider. Zoe discovered she was a Vacillator. Together, these styles created what they called a Drama Duo—a predictable cycle of frustration and withdrawal.
Have you noticed how the same arguments repeat—no matter the topic? That’s not coincidence. It’s what relationship experts call a core pattern.
For Josh and Zoe, it looked like this:
Zoe’s anxiety built up, and she expressed frustration to connect.
Josh felt overwhelmed and shut down.
Zoe felt dismissed and invisible, so she escalated.
Josh retreated further, waiting for it to “blow over.”
And the cycle started again.
This is what the Apostle Paul described in Romans 7:15: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
What Does the Bible Say About These Cycles?
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the conflicts in relationships.
Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
James 4:1–3 – “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
Ephesians 5:25–28 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…”
Josh admitted he often used scripture the wrong way—seeing Zoe as “quarrelsome” and justifying avoidance. But God’s Word calls us to engage with love, not retreat in self-protection.
Can God Really Heal a Drama Duo?
Yes. God can bring breakthrough, even when patterns feel unshakable.
Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
For Josh and Zoe, healing began with:
Counseling — safe space to listen instead of react.
Vulnerability — learning to share grief, shame, and struggles instead of hiding.
Spiritual focus — inviting God into the heart of their marriage, not just trying harder on their own.
A turning point came when Josh finally shared the grief of losing his father. Instead of bottling it up, he let Zoe comfort and pray for him. That moment of honesty and vulnerability helped restore real intimacy.
What Other “Drama Duos” Exist?
Josh and Zoe’s Avoider-Vacillator pairing is just one example. Other love-style pairings create their own drama loops:
Pleaser + Vacillator → The Weary
Avoider + Pleaser → The Chase
Avoider + Avoider → The Roommates
Pleaser + Pleaser → Denial
Vacillator + Vacillator → Bi-Polar cycles
Controller + Victim → Chaotic tension
When you recognize your own dynamic, you can start to break the pattern.
How Do You Break Free from the Crazy Cycle?
Josh and Zoe described a biblical path they call the Comfort Circle:
Choose to Engage – Don’t avoid emotions; step into the conversation.
Explore Feelings – Reflect back what you heard so the other person feels understood.
Resolve Conflict – Work to meet needs instead of defending yourself.
As Jesus commanded in John 13:34–35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Final Thoughts
Relationships aren’t doomed to repeat old cycles. The patterns you learned in childhood—your love style—may shape your struggles today, but they don’t have to define your future.
If your marriage or family feels stuck in a Drama Duo, take hope: with God’s love, vulnerability, and practical steps toward healing, you can break free from the crazy cycle and experience real connection.
When trust is broken — through infidelity, betrayal, addiction, or years of neglect — it’s easy to believe the damage is beyond repair. But God specializes in restoration. Pastors Rich and Annette Dennison of Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA know this firsthand.
Their story is one of deep wounds, broken trust, and bad patterns — but also of healing, forgiveness, and transformation through Christ. Along the way, they discovered something powerful: many of the struggles we face in marriage don’t start in marriage. They start in childhood.
How Childhood Love Styles Shape Adult Relationships
Your “love style” is a relational pattern formed early in life — based on how you experienced connection, comfort, and conflict in your family. These patterns, if left unhealed, can quietly sabotage your marriage.
Rich and Annette identified four main love styles that often show up in relationships:
1. The Avoider
Childhood root: Emotional needs overwhelmed or ignored by a parent.
Adult behavior: Avoids emotions (both their own and their spouse’s), downplays needs, prefers independence.
Typical phrases: “I’m fine,” “Just give me space,” “I don’t cry.”
Biblical reminder:“In your anger do not sin… and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26–27) God doesn’t tell us to avoid emotions — but to handle them in a way that honors Him.
2. The Pleaser
Childhood root: Parents were overly critical, anxious, or controlling.
Adult behavior: Reduces conflict by always trying to make others happy — often at the expense of their own needs.
Typical phrases: “Whatever you decide,” “I just want to be with you.”
Biblical reminder:“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) Our worth comes from God, not human approval.
3. The Vacillator
Childhood root: Inconsistent attention and affection from a parent.
Adult behavior: Swings between craving intense connection and pushing people away when hurt.
Typical phrases: “It’s love at first sight,” “If you would change, I’d be happy.”
Biblical reminder: James 1:6 warns against being “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Stability comes from trusting God’s unchanging love.
4. The Chaotic (Controller or Victim)
Childhood root: Abuse, neglect, or unstable home life.
Adult behavior: Controllers try to dominate to feel safe; Victims withdraw to survive.
Typical phrases (Controller): “Don’t question me,” “It’s either me or you.”
Typical phrases (Victim): “It’s my fault,” “It’s not so bad.”
Biblical reminder: God invites the brokenhearted to find healing, safety, and identity in Him.
Our Story: From Brokenness to Healing
Rich and Annette’s marriage went through seasons of deep hurt:
Infidelity
Alcohol abuse and reckless behavior
Financial collapse
Betrayal of trust
Unhealed childhood wounds
But God used unexpected people, a loving church family, and the truth of His Word to draw them back together. Healing didn’t happen overnight — it was a process of:
Acknowledging the past — Recognizing wounds and patterns without blaming everything on others.
Exploring faith — Learning to see themselves and each other through God’s eyes.
Building community — Finding safe, Christ-centered relationships that encouraged growth and accountability.
Can God Heal a Marriage After Cheating?
Yes — but it requires:
Honest confession (James 5:16)
True repentance — not just words, but a turning away from destructive behavior
Rebuilding trust through consistent truthfulness and follow-through
Forgiveness that releases bitterness (Ephesians 4:31–32)
God’s transforming power — because self-help tips alone can’t heal a heart
Rich says, “God didn’t just fix our marriage — He changed us. That’s the real miracle.”
What to Do If Your Relationship Feels Hopeless
If you’re wondering, “Can God fix my marriage?”, here’s a roadmap:
Ask God for help — Pray honestly about your pain and fears.
Identify your love style — Understand how past wounds shape your responses.
Seek biblical counsel — A pastor, Christian counselor, or mentor can help guide you.
Commit to healing — Even if your spouse isn’t ready, you can start making healthy changes.
Get into community — Healing happens faster when you’re not isolated.
Bible Verses for Healing & Restoration
Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
Matthew 11:28–30 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
John 16:33 — “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
You Are Not Beyond Hope
Betrayal is devastating — but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. God can take the messiest situation and bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
If you’re ready to begin again, ask Him to heal your heart, transform your love style, and teach you to love as He loves.
We’re beginning a brand-new series at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA called Language of Love. Last month in our Restoring the Soul series, we explored how God heals the deep places of our hearts—areas like forgiveness, fear, and spiritual deliverance.
But God’s work in us isn’t meant to stop with personal healing. His plan is that the love and restoration we receive from Him would flow into our relationships with others. This first message, How We Love, invites us to examine where our love style comes from, how it affects our relationships, and how God can transform it.
When Did You First Experience Comfort?
Think back to your earliest memories. Can you remember a time when, as a child, you were comforted—not for a physical injury, but for an emotional wound?
For many people, that’s a difficult question to answer. Research from Milan and Kay Yerkovich, authors of How We Love, shows that 75% of adults can’t recall a single memory of receiving comfort from a primary caregiver in childhood. That lack of comfort shapes how we relate to others for the rest of our lives.
Some of us may have grown up in loving homes but still never learned to express emotional needs. Others grew up in dysfunction or trauma, where comfort was absent altogether. Without healthy models for emotional connection, we look for comfort in all the wrong places—friends, romantic relationships, achievements—only to come up empty.
God’s Design for Comfort and Connection
From the very beginning, God designed us for deep, secure relationships—with Him and with one another.
In Genesis 2, we see God’s intimate connection with Adam:
He formed Adam with His own hands.
He breathed life into him.
He gave Adam purpose—to work and care for the garden.
He gave boundaries for protection.
And He gave Adam a partner—Eve—as a “strong helper” (Hebrew: ezer kenegdo), equal in value and united in purpose.
This was God’s perfect plan: intimacy without shame, mutual care, and unconditional trust.
When Sin Entered the Picture
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command. With sin came shame, fear, and hiding. Instead of turning toward God, they covered themselves and avoided Him. Instead of mutual care, relationships became marked by control, domination, and mistrust.
We still live with those consequences today. Many of us hide behind “fig leaves”—walls we put up so others won’t see our shame or vulnerability. And those walls block both our relationships with people and our relationship with God.
Why Love Styles Matter
Every one of us develops a love style—a pattern for how we connect (or avoid connecting) with others—based largely on the comfort and connection we did or didn’t receive as children.
Some have a secure love style—comfortable with both giving and receiving love. Many others develop avoidant, ambivalent, or chaotic styles that make intimacy and trust difficult.
The good news? God is the ultimate secure connector. Through Jesus, we can unlearn unhealthy patterns and begin to love the way God intended—freely, sacrificially, and without fear.
Love as God Intended
1 Corinthians 13 paints the picture:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This isn’t just a description of God’s love—it’s a command for us to love in the same way. When we surrender our broken patterns to Him, He teaches us how to:
Recognize and voice our needs.
Forgive quickly and fully.
Set healthy boundaries.
Choose connection over isolation.
We can’t change our past, but we can choose a new way forward—one shaped by God’s perfect love.
Are You Ready to Heal?
Whether your brokenness shows up in marriage, friendship, or family relationships, the path to healing begins the same way:
Acknowledge your need for comfort.
Bring your wounds to God.
Allow Him to send safe, loving people into your life.
You don’t have to live stuck in the cycle of fear, hiding, or mistrust. Jesus has already paid the price to restore your relationship with God and equip you to love others well.
Bible Study Guide – How We Love
Scriptures to Read
Genesis 2:7–25 – God’s design for intimacy and connection
Genesis 3:1–13 – How sin introduced shame and hiding
1 Corinthians 13:4–8 – The true definition of love
John 15:9–13 – Remaining in God’s love
1 John 4:18–19 – Perfect love drives out fear
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Can you remember a time in your childhood when you received emotional comfort? How has that shaped the way you relate to others?
What “fig leaves” do you tend to hide behind when you feel shame or fear?
How have you seen sin create separation in your relationships—with God or with others?
Which parts of 1 Corinthians 13 are most challenging for you to live out right now? Why?
How does knowing God is a “secure connector” encourage you to trust Him with your relationships?
What’s one step you can take this week to offer comfort to someone else in a Christlike way?
At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, our desire is to see people find hope, healing, and purpose through Jesus Christ. If you’re navigating broken relationships or longing to experience God’s comfort for the first time, we’d love to walk with you.
Restoring the Soul – Part 1: Finding Your True Identity in Christ
In Part 1 of the Restoring the Soul series at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, Misty Surine delivered a deeply personal message about identity—the kind that isn’t built on what the world says, but on what God declares to be true. This message is for anyone who’s ever felt lost, burned out, or unsure of who they really are.
Identity shapes everything. It affects how you think, how you act, how you love, and how you live. If you believe you’re broken beyond repair, you’ll stop trying. If you believe you’re not good enough, you’ll settle. If you believe people always leave, you’ll never let anyone in.
“When you catch yourself saying ‘I am…’ you should stop and ask yourself, ‘What does this say that I believe about myself?’”
Breaking Agreement with the Lies
Most of us don’t realize how many lies we’ve agreed with over the years. Words spoken by others… wounds we’ve carried… insecurities that whisper in the dark.
I’m worthless.
I’m unlovable.
I don’t belong.
I’ll never change.
These lies layer on top of each other like a twisted parfait—so familiar, we start to think they’re truth. We build our lives around them, striving, performing, pretending. But the cracks always show. We feel fragile even when we look strong.
“I was always learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7)
Are You a Fan or a Follower?
There’s a difference between believing in Jesus and actually following Him. It’s possible to say the right things, wear the label “Christian,” and still keep your life tucked away behind pride, fear, and control.
“I thought that saying the sinner’s prayer meant I had seen all there was to see.”
Jesus said in John 10:27:
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Are you listening? Are you following? Or have you put the Holy Spirit in a closet and covered Him with a blanket, only pulling Him out when life falls apart?
The God Who Calls You By Name
In Exodus 3, Moses is tending sheep when something strange catches his eye—a bush on fire that doesn’t burn up. He stops what he’s doing and moves closer.
“Moses had to be curious first… had to stop working, notice something that God had put in his path, and go toward it with a question in his heart.”
God calls out: “Moses! Moses!” Moses replies: “Here I am.” But almost immediately, he questions himself:
“Who am I that I should go…?”
God’s response isn’t to pump up his confidence or recite his qualifications. He simply says:
“I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)
That’s it. That’s the identity shift. When God is with you, everything changes.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Surrendered
This isn’t about self-help or behavior modification. This is about complete surrender. Not halfway. Not someday. Not when you’ve cleaned yourself up. Just… all in.
“You don’t have to untangle every thread of hurt. You only have to give Him everything—and He will take care of the rest.”
If you feel like a lump of clay filled with gravel and sand, you’re not alone. We all are. And anything we build with our own strength will be flawed and fragile. But if you ask Him to take all of you—He will begin to reshape it.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Are You Tired Yet?
Living outside of God’s truth feels like trying to swim upstream with a backpack full of rocks. Every day, the same struggle. The same arguments. The same emptiness.
“Every day I fight the same battle. Something has to change.”
Jesus is calling:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
You don’t have to keep fighting. Let go. Lift your eyes. He’s on the shore, calling you by name.
Who Does God Say You Are?
You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not your diagnosis, your title, your income, your pain.
“This world didn’t give you your identity—and it can’t take it away.”
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
“I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
A Planting for His Splendor
God isn’t trying to erase who you are. He wants to partner with you—to prune away what’s dead, breathe life into what’s good, and send His power through you like water from the vine into the branches.
You were meant to live rooted and strong, like a mighty oak. Storms will still come. Pain will still exist. But when you live surrendered and Spirit-filled, you’ll stand firm. Not because life is easy—but because God is close.
Take His Hand
Open your clenched fists. Let go of every lie, every label, every false identity. Stop trying to figure out where you are on the map. Just let go. Trust Him.
“Hand Him everything, and you will lose nothing—but gain more than you can imagine.”
You were made for more. You were created for wholeness. He is calling you by name.
Find Your Identity in Christ at Open Arms Community Church
If you’re searching for healing, purpose, or truth, this is your invitation. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. You don’t have to keep living in survival mode.
Join us at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA as we continue the Restoring the Soul series. There is more for you—more freedom, more peace, more purpose. Come find your true identity in Christ.
📍 Sunday mornings at 71 Congress Street in Bradford, PA 👉 Plan Your Visit
This is a church where you can find healing, hope, and who you were always meant to be.
O Holy Night is one of the most beloved and powerful Christmas carols, filled with profound theological meaning and rich historical significance. In his recent message, Pastor Rich Dennison took us on a journey through the song’s history and scriptural foundation, urging us to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s birth.
The Meaning and Legacy of “O Holy Night” – A Message from Pastor Rich Dennison
Rich and Zoe started the message by singing O Holy Night.
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming Here come the Wise Men from Orient land The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger Behold your King; before Him lowly bend Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is Peace Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother And in His name, all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we Let all within us Praise His Holy name Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever! His power and glory evermore proclaim His power and glory evermore proclaim
The History of “O Holy Night”
The origins of O Holy Night date back to 1847 when French poet Placide Cappeau was asked by a priest to write a poem for Christmas Mass. Although Cappeau was not a regular churchgoer at the time, he was inspired by the birth of Jesus and wrote the poem Cantique de Noël. The music, composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, was added shortly after, and the carol quickly became popular in France.
However, when church leaders discovered that Cappeau had left the church and joined a socialist movement, and that Adam was Jewish, they rejected the song for being unsuitable for religious services. Despite this rejection, the people of France continued to sing it in their homes and gatherings. It wasn’t until an American writer, John Sullivan Dwight, encountered the song and appreciated its message of freedom and equality—especially the third verse—that O Holy Night gained significant popularity in the United States, particularly during the Civil War.
The song’s enduring power reminds us that God’s truth cannot be contained or confined, even when people try to reject it. It echoes the way Jesus’ message of hope and redemption broke through the barriers of culture, politics, and time, continuing to inspire generations.
A Song of Peace and Hope
One of the most remarkable moments in the history of O Holy Night occurred during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. As soldiers from both sides were locked in intense combat, a French soldier began singing Cantique de Noël. In response, a German soldier sang From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, and miraculously, the fighting ceased for 24 hours in a temporary truce. This act of solidarity and peace, sparked by the Christmas spirit, showed the power of this carol to transcend national borders and bring about reconciliation.
This historical moment is a powerful reminder of the impact Christ’s peace can have even in the most divided situations. It’s not just a peace that ends wars but a peace that starts within the human heart, reconciling us to God and to one another.
The Scriptural Foundations of “O Holy Night”
Pastor Rich emphasized that each line of O Holy Night is steeped in scriptural truth, pointing us back to the heart of the gospel message. The opening line, “O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth,” echoes the biblical account in Luke 2:8-9, where an angel announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, surrounded by a heavenly display of light. This moment in history marked the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Savior. The brightness of the stars that night symbolized the dawning of a new era, the arrival of God’s perfect light in the world.
Luke 2:8-9 (NIV):
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
The line “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth” reflects the reality of the world’s longing for redemption, a theme that runs through Romans 8:22 where Paul describes the groaning of creation, waiting for the glory to come. This longing for salvation is fulfilled in Christ, whose birth signals the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Romans 8:22 (NIV):
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
The imagery of a weary world rejoicing resonates with the message of Isaiah 9:2, where the prophet spoke of a great light coming to those who walked in darkness. In the birth of Jesus, that light came into the world, offering joy and hope to those who had been longing for redemption.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV):
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
In the verse, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn,” Pastor Rich reminded us of the hope that Christ’s birth brought into a broken world. The “new and glorious morn” points to the promise of a future glory, as seen in Romans 8:19-21 and Romans 13:12, when believers look forward to the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Christ’s first coming began the work of restoration, but His second coming will bring its completion, when God’s perfect peace and justice will reign.
Romans 8:19-21 (NIV):
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
Romans 13:12 (NIV):
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
A Call to Worship
The most powerful part of the song, according to Pastor Rich, is the call to worship in the chorus: “Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices. O night divine, O night when Christ was born.” This is a direct invitation to respond to Christ’s birth with awe and reverence. The scripture Philippians 2:10-11 declares that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is not only the angels who worshiped Him that night, but all of creation is called to worship the Savior.
Philippians 2:10-11 (NIV):
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In our own lives, this moment of worship is not only one of gratitude but also of surrender. As we bow before Christ, we acknowledge His sovereignty, His lordship, and the transformative power of His presence. Just as the shepherds knelt before Him in humility, so too must we approach Him with reverence and awe, allowing His light to shine in the darkest corners of our hearts.
The Call to Love and Proclaim Christ’s Name
Pastor Rich also explored the deeper message of love and peace found in the second verse of O Holy Night, which speaks of Jesus’ mission on earth. The line “In all our trials born to be our friend, He knows our need, and our weakness is no stranger” reminds us that Jesus entered into the human experience, fully understanding our struggles. Hebrews 4:15 affirms that Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses because He lived through them, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV):
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
In His humility, Jesus came to serve and to show us how to love and serve others. This love is not abstract but demonstrated in action—by laying down His life for us. It’s the kind of love that calls us to imitate Him, serving those in need and offering hope to the hopeless.
Jesus came to bring peace, as reflected in the third verse: “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all oppression shall cease.” This line connects to Romans 13:10, where Paul writes that love fulfills the law, and Ephesians 2:17, where Christ is described as preaching peace to bring Jews and Gentiles together. Pastor Rich emphasized that Christ’s mission was to break the chains of sin and oppression, offering freedom and reconciliation to all.
Romans 13:10 (NIV):
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Ephesians 2:17 (NIV):
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”
The promise of breaking chains is not limited to physical slavery, but to the bondage of sin that holds humanity captive. Jesus offers freedom from guilt, shame, and despair. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He broke the chains that bind us and made a way for us to experience true liberty in Him.
Living Out the Message of “O Holy Night”
As Pastor Rich concluded, O Holy Night is more than just a beautiful Christmas carol; it is a call to action. The carol ends with a declaration to “Praise His name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim.” In Colossians 3:16, Paul encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing each other with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. We are called to worship Christ with our lives, proclaiming His power and glory in every word and deed.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV):
“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.”
As we reflect on the message of O Holy Night, may it inspire us not only to celebrate Christ’s birth but to live out the truth of His love, peace, and redemption every day.
This past Sunday, Pastor Zoe Hatcher delivered a rich and moving sermon as part of the Carols of the Coming series. Drawing inspiration from the ancient hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” Pastor Zoe took us on a journey through scripture and history, showing how this beautiful song ties together the prophetic anticipation of Christ’s first coming, the unity of the church across generations, and our longing for His return.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Timeless Call for Christ’s Presence
“‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ is one of the oldest hymns we sing during the Christmas season,” Pastor Zoe began. “It dates back to the 9th century, written in Latin during a period when much of church life was steeped in monastic tradition.” She explained that its original form included seven sentences, or antiphons—short phrases sung before biblical psalms or canticles—designed to prepare believers’ hearts in the seven days leading up to Christmas.
O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death’s abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
A Hymn Rooted in History
These antiphons each invoked a name or title for Jesus, including O Sapienta (Wisdom), O Adonai (Lord), O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (Key of David), O Oriens (Dayspring), O Rex (King), and finally, O Emmanuel (God with us). “When read backward, the first letters of these names spell ‘SARCORE,’ a Latin acrostic that declares, ‘Tomorrow, He will be present.’” Pastor Zoe marveled at the way this liturgical riddle reflected the monks’ anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Rooted in Old Testament Prophecy
One of the hymn’s most profound messages is how it centers us in the Old Testament prophecies of Christ’s coming. “The hymn is full of references to the Messiah,” Pastor Zoe explained. “It teaches us to see the Old Testament as God’s unfolding plan to prepare us for Jesus.”
For instance, she highlighted Isaiah 7:14, which says: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.”
This prophecy from Isaiah reminds us of the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth—a Savior born of a virgin, destined to be “God with us.” Zoe added, “This hymn invites us to reflect on these truths and helps us to remain rooted in God’s promises.”
Moving to Isaiah 11:1-2, she elaborated on the stanza that calls Jesus the “Rod of Jesse”: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.”
“Jesse was King David’s father,” Pastor Zoe explained. “Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, coming from the lineage of David, yet also the Creator of that lineage. He is both the root and the branch—God and man, the source and the fulfillment.”
The hymn also celebrates Jesus as the “Key of David,” referencing Revelation 3:7-8: “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
“Jesus holds the keys to salvation,” Pastor Zoe reminded us. “With His death and resurrection, He opened the door to eternal life for us—a door no one can close.”
Rooted in Church History
The hymn not only grounds us in scripture but also connects us to the rich history of the church. “It’s incredible to think that this hymn, written in the 9th century, has been sung by millions of Christians across nations, languages, and centuries,” Pastor Zoe said. She drew from Ephesians 1:9-10, which speaks to the unity of all things under Christ: “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
“The hymns we sing today are not just songs,” she continued. “They’re acts of worship that connect us with believers past and present. They’re a reminder that our faith unites us as the body of Christ, transcending time and space.”
Zoe also quoted 1 Peter 1:10-12, reflecting on the prophets’ anticipation of Christ’s coming: “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”
“What a beautiful thought,” Pastor Zoe mused. “That even the angels were eager to see God’s plan unfold, and yet God chose to reveal these truths to us—His church, His bride.”
A Timeless Longing
Above all, this hymn speaks of longing—not only for Christ’s birth but also for His return. As Pastor Zoe put it, “‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ isn’t just about remembering that Jesus came; it’s about yearning for Him to come again.”
This yearning, she explained, is captured in Acts 10:42, where Peter declares: “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.”
“Even as we celebrate Jesus’ first coming,” Pastor Zoe reminded us, “we’re called to live in expectation of His return. And in this season of Advent, we sing with hope and anticipation, ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.’”
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Timeless Call for Christ’s Presence
Continuing the theme of Advent and the anticipation of Christ’s coming, Pastor Zoe Hatcher emphasized the deep difference between nostalgia and expectancy in our faith. “Nostalgia is a longing for what was,” she said, “but expectancy is a hope—a hope for what is to come. It’s an excitement for the future.”
Living with Expectancy
Pastor Zoe explained that expectancy comes from a place of recognition that we do not yet have everything we need or desire. “Expectancy is about living in the middle of longing. It’s the anticipation that what we’re waiting for will come, and it will be better than what we have now.” This message, she said, aligns perfectly with the repeated cry of “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” We are not just reflecting on the past or wishing for what we once had; we are actively waiting for Christ to return, bringing the fullness of His kingdom.
This sense of expectancy, she noted, is one filled with hope. It’s not a passive waiting but an active longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a repeated declaration of faith: “We want You to come. We believe that You will come.” This belief is rooted in the hope that Jesus will indeed return to make all things right, to wipe away every tear, and to restore the brokenness of the world.
Pastor Zoe referenced Revelation 21:2-7, a passage that describes the glorious future where Christ’s kingdom will fully be established, and all things will be made new:
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look, God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God, and they will be My children.'”
“What a promise!” Pastor Zoe exclaimed. “Jesus is coming, and when He does, He will make everything right. Do we believe that today?” The imagery in this scripture paints a picture of perfect restoration—no more pain, no more tears, no more death. All will be made new.
Longing for Home
The theme of longing, especially in the context of the holiday season, was woven throughout Pastor Zoe’s message. She referred to a beautiful definition of nostalgia as “longing for home.” “At Christmastime, we often experience this longing for home,” she said, “whether it’s the warmth of familiar faces, the comfort of family traditions, or the smell of a home-cooked meal. These moments make us feel connected to something deeper, something we desire and yearn for.”
She asked the congregation, “Are we longing for our true home? Are we longing for Christ’s return, the ultimate fulfillment of that homecoming?” Pastor Zoe shared that this hymn, with its repeated cry of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” echoes the deep longing of our
souls for that perfect, eternal home with Christ.
This longing for home is not just about nostalgia for the past, but about the hope of an eternal, unshakeable future with God. Pastor Zoe connected this idea to Philippians 3:20-21, where Paul writes: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”
“We were made for a different kind of home, a home where we are fully known, fully loved, and made whole,” she explained. “That is our true home, and that is the hope we hold on to—Jesus will come and take us home to be with Him.”
Living in the Tension of the Now and the Not Yet
Pastor Zoe then transitioned to reflect on the tension that believers live in: we are caught between the “already” of Christ’s first coming and the “not yet” of His return. We can see the Kingdom of God at work in the world today, but we are not yet experiencing its fullness. “We are living in the in-between,” she said. “We know what Jesus did on the cross, and we know that He will return to fully restore all things. But right now, we are waiting, longing, hoping.”
She acknowledged the brokenness that many of us face in our lives, from personal struggles to societal challenges. These experiences of brokenness serve as constant reminders that we are not yet whole, that we are waiting for Christ’s return to make all things right. Yet in the midst of this, there is also a call to participate in bringing God’s Kingdom here and now, through love, justice, and faithfulness.
In closing, Pastor Zoe emphasized the idea of communion as a way of reflecting on this tension. “As we come to the table today,” she said, “we remember both Christ’s first coming and the promise of His second. We’re in the in-between, but we are not left without hope.” She invited the congregation to take part in communion, a tangible reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, while also looking forward to the day when we will feast with Him in the fullness of His Kingdom.
“We can sing this hymn, not just at Christmastime but all year long, as an act of expectancy and longing,” Pastor Zoe concluded. “We can sing it with the hope that our true home is coming, and that one day, we will be with Jesus face to face. So, as we prepare our hearts for communion, let us reflect on the home we long for—the home we were created for, and the home that Jesus is preparing for us.”
With hearts full of anticipation, the worship team led the congregation in a time of communion, and the congregation sang O Come Come Emmanuel together, encouraging everyone to reflect on the promises of Christ’s return and the hope of being with Him forever.
