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the reality of with us


We begin the Christmas season, or the Advent season, where we celebrate the new life of Christ as well as the new life we have from Christ.  There is more to this season than the glimmer of lights or the buying of gifts.  It has much to do with our faith, and that faith brings us deep and lasting joy.

Think about the things that Jesus coming to earth made reality.  Some of the those things were promises of years earlier. These promises filled out our understanding of God…

Isaiah 7:14  NASB
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6  NASB
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

That is just the beginning.  Immanuel we learn later means God is with us.  That is the miracle and the gift of Christmas.  So, with us we have a counselor, an incredible divine relationship, a father that cares and gives enduring peace.

With us is the glory of heaven come to earth.  Jesus is the gift.  He is meaning of Christmas and every day of the one who chooses to follow Him.

John 1:1-5,14  NASB
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 14:1  NASB
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 

1 Peter 3:15  NASB
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Jesus is more than an option for our belief.  He is incarnation of God.  He is Savior and Lord.  He is our hope.

How can we this season give others a glimpse of God? In our celebration we will lead others to see that God with us is a really big deal.  Our God hasn’t left us alone.

Even in the trouble this world gives us we can hold tight to our God we can trust!
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