"Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel." which is translated, "God with us."Matthew 1:23
I'm sitting listening to Christmas music on the radio,there are many songs about the baby, Jesus. This is Jack's first Christmas with us and I must confess it is truly one of the miracles of God to hold a baby in your arms. (At least for me!) God was pretty wise, of course, in coming to us in the form of a newborn baby. He knew that we are all so drawn into a baby in our midst. I'm actually sitting with Jack right next to me and he is looking at me, smiling, and grabbing for my glasses! It's the smile that grabs the heart! When we were at the mall the other day, many people stopped and engaged in pleasant conversation with the baby and he just smiled and cooed in baby talk right back the them...so cute, so loving, so innocent. I cant' imagine any miracle more profound than the birth of a child...at least none that I've experienced. I was in awe at each of my children's births and the birth of my grandson. Isn't each and every birth special? Truly God's love for us in the birth of his son and the celebration that we engage in, is worthy of special attention. God with us.
I love the chaos of having all of my children home. Wild as it seems in the morning or around mealtime, I am relishing in the sounds of them all being here, home. Things are a mess here, there are clothes, dishes, people all over the house. Just when I feel overwhelmed, I tell myself I love it, I will survive. God with us.
The pets my daughter brought with her remind me of the craziness that Mary and Joseph must have experienced in the stable behind the inn. The animals make noise chase each other around, demand attention, need to go out into the cold, have their feet wiped off....if you have animals, you get the picture. The smells, the noises, all add to the chaos but also add to the atmosphere of home. God with us.
Even the beautiful snow that continues to fall outside brings its own beauty and splendor, a celebration of its own! God reminds us that He is in control of all of the universe, the splendor and the terror of weather out of control. I see the clean, white snowflakes falling nonstop and think of God's power, God's ability to cleanse us white as snow. Beautiful, mysterious, God's presence made known to us yet again. God with us.
Early this morning, I had a few moments alone with God. I savored the time. The lights on the Christmas tree made me feel like it was a special time. In the quiet, in the silence, I felt His presence in my life. I am grateful. God with us.
So this Christmas, as you hold a baby in your arms (borrow one if you have to!), spend chaotic family time with those you love and don't often see, enjoy and care for your pets, look out at the wintery weather, or spend time alone with God, rest assured that He is in our midst each and every day!
Blessings to everyone this Christmas eve!
