He is Right here with Us
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear [give birth] a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
As a result of Christmas, God is by our side. Let's reflect on this truth for a moment. God, the all-powerful God of Angel Armies, the Creator of the cosmos, the Sovereign King of Kings— that very God is with us. You and I. He is near, mighty, and loves us unconditionally even when we cannot see or feel Him.
When I am consciously mindful of this reality, it transforms my thoughts and feelings, dispels my fears, and emboldens me to walk by faith. God is with me. He is present. And His presence impacts every aspect of my life. Jesus is a friend who is fully aware of everything about me.
He knows the hidden fears within my heart. He is the only one who understands the waves of anxiety I am struggling with while maintaining a brave facade. When I am gasping for emotional air, Jesus is there to support me. I am never alone, even in my own thoughts. I have a sympathetic friend—a friend I can always turn to for assistance.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has sought to draw closer to God. Adam and Eve walked with God in the tranquillity of the evening in the garden of Eden until sin severed the connection, and we were no longer able to enter the presence of a Holy God. However, God did not forsake His relationship with us. Through the Law, He provided a means for His presence to dwell among His people once more.
For generations, the Israelites, burdened by their inability to comply with God's Law, waited for a Savior. The prophets offered them hope, foretelling a time when God would reestablish the relationship between God and humanity through the birth of a child born to a virgin. God's people lived in expectancy and hope for centuries, awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.
Immanuel, God with us.
The world we inhabit remains broken, tainted by sin. We are afflicted by its foulness—whether from within us, through the brokenness of others, or the natural world surrounding us. Misfortunes befall both good and bad individuals alike. None can escape the repercussions of the sinful environment in which we exist.
Yet, in our anguish, we are not alone. God is with us. With God's presence in our lives, we find purpose and significance, and encounter genuine joy irrespective of our circumstances. We hold on to hope, anticipating an eternity devoid of sin and suffering.
Being aware of God's presence alters my viewpoint. I become more receptive to possibilities and concepts, finding innovative solutions to the challenges I encounter. He aids me in dispelling the overwhelming fog that cloud my mind in times of stress and anxiety.
As we find ourselves in this Advent season, the knowledge of God's presence with me provides comfort and strength. While there will be numerous choices to make, God's presence reassures me. Awkward conversations at festive gatherings are bearable because God accompanies me. I am prepared for disappointments, fatigue, and unmet expectations—I will be fine because God is with me.
On account of Christmas, we can revel in the wonderful truth that God is right here with us!
As a result of Christmas, God is by our side. Let's reflect on this truth for a moment. God, the all-powerful God of Angel Armies, the Creator of the cosmos, the Sovereign King of Kings— that very God is with us. You and I. He is near, mighty, and loves us unconditionally even when we cannot see or feel Him.
When I am consciously mindful of this reality, it transforms my thoughts and feelings, dispels my fears, and emboldens me to walk by faith. God is with me. He is present. And His presence impacts every aspect of my life. Jesus is a friend who is fully aware of everything about me.
He knows the hidden fears within my heart. He is the only one who understands the waves of anxiety I am struggling with while maintaining a brave facade. When I am gasping for emotional air, Jesus is there to support me. I am never alone, even in my own thoughts. I have a sympathetic friend—a friend I can always turn to for assistance.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has sought to draw closer to God. Adam and Eve walked with God in the tranquillity of the evening in the garden of Eden until sin severed the connection, and we were no longer able to enter the presence of a Holy God. However, God did not forsake His relationship with us. Through the Law, He provided a means for His presence to dwell among His people once more.
For generations, the Israelites, burdened by their inability to comply with God's Law, waited for a Savior. The prophets offered them hope, foretelling a time when God would reestablish the relationship between God and humanity through the birth of a child born to a virgin. God's people lived in expectancy and hope for centuries, awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.
Immanuel, God with us.
The world we inhabit remains broken, tainted by sin. We are afflicted by its foulness—whether from within us, through the brokenness of others, or the natural world surrounding us. Misfortunes befall both good and bad individuals alike. None can escape the repercussions of the sinful environment in which we exist.
Yet, in our anguish, we are not alone. God is with us. With God's presence in our lives, we find purpose and significance, and encounter genuine joy irrespective of our circumstances. We hold on to hope, anticipating an eternity devoid of sin and suffering.
Being aware of God's presence alters my viewpoint. I become more receptive to possibilities and concepts, finding innovative solutions to the challenges I encounter. He aids me in dispelling the overwhelming fog that cloud my mind in times of stress and anxiety.
As we find ourselves in this Advent season, the knowledge of God's presence with me provides comfort and strength. While there will be numerous choices to make, God's presence reassures me. Awkward conversations at festive gatherings are bearable because God accompanies me. I am prepared for disappointments, fatigue, and unmet expectations—I will be fine because God is with me.
On account of Christmas, we can revel in the wonderful truth that God is right here with us!