God with Us

Many unexpected changes have occurred in my life just in the past few days.  Sadly, two days ago, we had to put our beloved 15-year-old cat Espresso to rest. He was a wonderful loving cat who loved to cuddle, purr, and loved his food. He was there for us as we grieved three other cats that died previously; one was his brother.  We miss him so much, as he was a very special cat that asked little and gave so much in return.

Then days before Christmas, the government set restrictions on gatherings because of Covid, and so we can no longer be with my family for Christmas dinner. It is difficult trying to rearrange plans at this late hour, and so we will spend Christmas at home alone. Christmas Eve service in our church was cancelled because of the new restrictions.

 There are many people disappointed that their Christmas is once again not what it used to be without any restrictions at all. There are other families struggling who have recently lost loved ones or pets. There are some ill in the hospital, and cannot be visited. Some patients are being transferred out of province to make room for Covid patients. Fear abounds because of the omicron variant that is much more transmissible. Many families are separated and restricted from getting together because of a vaccine mandate.

The world seems in such a mess right now like it was at the time when Jesus was born. It is spiritually dark just as it was then too. Jesus, the light of the world, coming to earth shrouded in darkness is the stark contrast that filled people back then with such hope, just as it does for us today. What is so incredible is that Jesus coming to this earth is really God wanting to be with us, and wanting to turn things around by turning us around starting with our hearts. And the fact that God the Father wants to be with us in spite of our ignorance of Him is enough to melt any hardened heart.

The world needs joy, and this is the message of Christmas. I love this familiar passage:

 Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luk 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luk 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 This passage is packed with such hope. I emphasize verse 10: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 In a world filled with fear of the unknown because of this virus, with Jesus, there is nothing to fear. This is the great hope behind the celebration of Christmas. Is Christmas just for Christians? Absolutely not. The good tidings of great joy are for ALL PEOPLE. The gift of Jesus is meant for every single person to embrace and experience freedom from sin and a new life in Christ. Jesus is behind the great joy. It’s not the gifts, the meals, the people, or anything else. Jesus is the reason for the season. Without Him, there is no real celebration. Christmas will come and go and nothing will have changed. Jesus gives us a reason to hope at Christmas and well into the future, even our promise of eternal life for all who trust in Him.

 Today is Christmas Eve, a wonderful time to contemplate the gift of God, Jesus Christ His only Son, and why He came to this earth. No one is truly alone at Christmas who welcomes Jesus into heart and home. He came for this reason, to be with us.

Mat 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

No matter what your circumstances, may God be with you and fill you with His great joy this Christmas and beyond.