Immanuel – God with Us

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  Matthew 1:23 NIV

Marry Christmas

There are lots of things that make this day special. Like the birth of Jesus, it comes with a mixed bag of emotions. Seriously, it was tough having a child,  away from home, in an overbooked little town, traveling by foot at full term pregnancy, without family nearby, delivering your first child in a cave for animals. The angels sang to the shepherds, not Mary and Joseph. They were relieved, joyful and expectant, but also, overwhelmed and exhausted.

 During this season, some will be joyful, sentimental, grateful, and an experiencing a settled satisfaction with  genuine laughter with friends and family. Others are sad as we miss loved ones no longer with us. Some are experiencing hard ships both financial and physical. Like the darkness of winter, loneliness and depression hang over many. The “merry” part of Christmas seems as thin and fleeting as the wrapping paper on the presents under the tree. It looks pretty, but it doesn’t always correlate with the treasure beneath.

What is the anchor for the season? Why does remembering the birth of Jesus deserve celebration? How can we draw strength from a baby being born in a stable?

Immanuel (which means “God with us“).

Wherever Jesus is…He is ALL there. Every character quality and attribute of God is present – holiness, wonderful, counselor, almighty God, everlasting Father, prince of peace, all powerful, all knowing, kind, good and many more. God with us, because Jesus broke into our world and remained…now within our hearts. Let His peace fill your hearts, let His joy rise up in your mind, let His righteousness marinate your thoughts. All that He is and will be, is available…because He came to earth and fulfilled His destiny.

Who are we that the God of the Universe, the one who created all things, would desire to come an dwell with us? He loves us so much. We are made just a little lower than the angels, but are valued above all things. God with us.

Invite Him to be present throughout your day. Acknowledge Him with your spoken words. Whisper in your mind your love and gratefulness for His abiding presence. Look for His interacting in your relationships. Be thankful that He remains even when your thoughts are far away. God with us…God with you…all day…for all time. There is no other religion that offers the love and sacrifice which Jesus extends to us as a gift of Himself. It is truly a wonderful day.

Merry Christmas

Blessings Love y’all