For the last several days we have been with our son, Koy, and his girlfriend, Kym, in California. We knew that we wouldn’t be together at Christmas so he flew us out a couple weeks early.
We’ve had a great time of being with each other. Phone calls and video chats are good but actually being with the ones we love is the best.
God enjoyed being with Adam and Eve each day in the garden; they would walk and talk – it was a special relationship. But when Adam sinned that fellowship was broken. However, God had a plan for restoring what had been lost. It was important to Him to be with us.
“Joseph was a good man[a and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding.
20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21 Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:19-23 CEV
God wanted a way to be with us so He sent His Son. One of the things that means the most to us as parents is knowing that our kids want to be with us. God is no different.
“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world.[a The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 CEV
It’s a whole new world when we have life with Christ. We aren’t alone. God is with us – in the car going to work; in the kitchen baking cookies; helping our kids with their homework; Christmas shopping; sitting beside the bed of a sick friend; sitting alone looking at the checkbook and the bills that need to be paid.
God with us – His purpose in coming was to be “with us”. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 tells us that He will NEVER leave us or abandon us.
We are also told that He promises to provide all our needs, heals all our diseases and forgives all our sins. Psalm 103
I didn’t always realize that God wanted this type of relationship with me but I can say that when I realized “God is with us” it has certainly changed the outcome of my life for the better – the best.
When we focus on all “we” have to do and how it’s all up to us, we become self absorbed. We make a very small package. When we realize, truly realize, that God’s purpose is to “Be with us”, when we unwrap the present of His presence in our daily lives, our world changes dramatically.
” What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11
The Christmas carol today is one that was written in the 12th century.
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
I know the Old English is a bit hard to understand but the basic message is one of God’s desire to be with mankind, who He created, and bring them deliverance in each situation. Just remember, He’s a loving Father who wants nothing more than to be involved in His children’s lives.
God wants to spend time with us; with is better!