For me, it's been particularly meaningful to focus on Jesus as Emmanuel, this Christmas season.
Matthew 1:23 says, The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel--which means, God with us.
Isaiah 41:10 has comforted & encouraged my heart, especially over the past six/seven weeks: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Boy, those words are music to my ears. They've given me a wonderful way to wrap up & reflect on this past year, while preparing my heart for whatever God has in store for 2012 & beyond.
This year, I've literally lost count of the number of times I've used & heard the word transition. Lives are constantly experiencing change; that isn't any kind of newsflash or secret. It's just, I'm currently more aware of the changes that have occurred in my life & in the lives of friends & family.
Many of us spent 2011 establishing "new normals," because of planned & a few unplanned transitions. Some transitions were due to the loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of plans, or loss of a job. Others included welcoming new family members, taking hold of promising opportunities, enjoying new ages/stages, & gaining fresh perspectives.
Many of us spent 2011 establishing "new normals," because of planned & a few unplanned transitions. Some transitions were due to the loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of plans, or loss of a job. Others included welcoming new family members, taking hold of promising opportunities, enjoying new ages/stages, & gaining fresh perspectives.
As I've reflected on this past year, God has reminded me that He was, indeed, with me. Through any exhaustion, fear, sadness, & loneliness...He was with me. Any time I was able to celebrate, smile, dance & laugh...He was with me.
The good news: He'll continue to be with me. That will not change, even when I make mistakes...which is pretty much daily. Phew! Can I get an "Amen" for God's mercy?! And, when I get too focused on myself, He nudges me toward gratitude & thinking of others.
The good news: He'll continue to be with me. That will not change, even when I make mistakes...which is pretty much daily. Phew! Can I get an "Amen" for God's mercy?! And, when I get too focused on myself, He nudges me toward gratitude & thinking of others.
I know He's been with many of you, too. I've heard & been encouraged by your stories of God's faithfulness. It's shown me again that God's purposes...whether we understand all of them or not...never change. Every tear. Every belly laugh. Every moment that appears mundane. It all matters. We see a tiny piece of the puzzle; He sees the big picture.
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose."
My purpose isn't to force anyone to love Jesus & his promises. Forced love for someone isn't really love is it? I also don't have lots of fancy arguments for why He does what He does. In order to comprehend it all, I'd most likely need to be God...which, for your sake & mine, I am clearly not. I can really only share what I've experienced & encourage you to check it out for yourself.
As a child, I believed in God; He just didn’t seem meaningful outside of religious activities. The Bible seemed uninteresting and challenging to comprehend. Through a friendship beginning in 4th grade and by beginning to truly read a Bible in jr. high, I came to understand how God could be a part of my real life. I made a commitment to follow Him. He continues to be a vital part of my daily life. I’m definitely not perfect and hardships still arise. Yet, life with Him gives me purpose and hope. I’m deeply loved, totally forgiven, and forever changed.
The good news: Jesus is a choice available to everyone! Even before his tiny, newborn body was wrapped in swaddling clothes, it was decided that he would come for all. You don't even have to wait until you've reached some standard of excellence you've set for yourself, to accept him. Truthfully, we just aren't capable of perfection, this side of heaven. If we were, we probably wouldn't need a Savior.
Simply put, you can come as you are. Saying, "Yes" to Jesus means he can be with you immediately. He is, after all, Emmanuel.
My purpose isn't to force anyone to love Jesus & his promises. Forced love for someone isn't really love is it? I also don't have lots of fancy arguments for why He does what He does. In order to comprehend it all, I'd most likely need to be God...which, for your sake & mine, I am clearly not. I can really only share what I've experienced & encourage you to check it out for yourself.
As a child, I believed in God; He just didn’t seem meaningful outside of religious activities. The Bible seemed uninteresting and challenging to comprehend. Through a friendship beginning in 4th grade and by beginning to truly read a Bible in jr. high, I came to understand how God could be a part of my real life. I made a commitment to follow Him. He continues to be a vital part of my daily life. I’m definitely not perfect and hardships still arise. Yet, life with Him gives me purpose and hope. I’m deeply loved, totally forgiven, and forever changed.
The good news: Jesus is a choice available to everyone! Even before his tiny, newborn body was wrapped in swaddling clothes, it was decided that he would come for all. You don't even have to wait until you've reached some standard of excellence you've set for yourself, to accept him. Truthfully, we just aren't capable of perfection, this side of heaven. If we were, we probably wouldn't need a Savior.
Simply put, you can come as you are. Saying, "Yes" to Jesus means he can be with you immediately. He is, after all, Emmanuel.
Merry Christmas!!
1 comment:
Good thoughts, Katie! God is with us.
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