In the past couple of weeks, I have known of a few friends who are going through very sad times. It is difficult enough to have sad and hard times, but it seems that at Christmas, everyone seems happy and hard times hit harder. That is why the message given to Mary is so touching.
Immanuel, GOD with us. The heart of the Christmas message is that Immanuel has come. GOD is with us, no matter where we are. Share on XBehold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife,
for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).Matthew 1:20-23 ESV
Immanuel, GOD with us. He is the One coming in human flesh to be with us in our times of weakness and frailty. He is not some distant GOD who stays far away when times are hard. Instead, He comes to dwell with us. He embraces us in our grief. He didn’t cling to the privilege He deserved. Instead, He put it aside and came to earth. I can’t imagine what that must have been like! stop
I don’t know what your situation is like this Christmas. But the heart of the Christmas message is that Immanuel has come. GOD is with us, no matter where we are, in hospitals, nursing homes, grieving the loss of a loved one, in a unit receiving chemo and fighting cancer like crazy, struggling with issues in a marriage or in your family…no matter where we need His presence, He has come to be with you!
Even if you don’t want Him there or you are mad at Him, He has come to be with you in your mess! He is the only one who can untangle it and bring redemption and reconciliation.
Christmas is a reminder of this eternal truth…GOD came to be with us in human form. Pass it on…and remind yourself of it often.
He is even with us when we are on top of the world! We just don’t feel as lonely then.
This was first written in 2018.
Knowing God is with us makes such a difference! Hope you have a lovely Christmas, Martha!
so true lesley:) hope yours is wonderful as well!
“God with us”. Three little words to hold on to for life! Thanks Martha!
i agree cindy:) often needed this time of year as well.
I needed to read this today! Thanks!
i think a lot of people do, Tara.