Live Like God is With You
Christmas is such a beautiful time of year on so many levels. Thousands of white and colored lights shine through the early darkness from rooftops, houses, lawns and the town square. All those lights remind me of the light Jesus brought into the world to break through the untimely darkness. That light is not just out there, but it’s also in all of us who believe. Christmas is also a time when we search for ways to bless those we love with that special gift to bring a smile to their faces. More importantly, we get to celebrate the greatest gift possible―the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life.
I was reflecting on the name Mary was first told to give her son by the angel of the Lord. The name mentioned in Matthew 1:23 is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” It occurred to me that we don’t see that name again in the New Testament. In fact, “Immanuel” is only mentioned in three places in the entire Bible (Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:8). However, there are many verses throughout the Bible that reassure us God is with us. Here are just a few:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Growing up, I knew that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. I knew he paid the price for my sins through his death on the cross. What I didn’t know is that he did it not just to save me from sin and death, but also to bring me into a relationship with him―a relationship that is a personal, practical, daily fellowship in every area of my life. I was well into my 30s before I realized God, my Creator, has been pursuing me all of my life and He is much closer than I had imagined.
God has taken me through the most difficult times when I felt alone and destitute. He provided all that I needed and redirected my path to take an amazing journey I could not have planned, let alone imagined. And God wants a personal, intimate relationship with you. God is with you. He wants to meet each need and shine His great light through you in your work and all of your life.
God loves us so much that you and I are part of God’s plan for advancing His Kingdom. I hope you will join me as we celebrate this Christmas season in reflecting on God’s presence with us―with you. I invite you to write a prayer from your hea