These are the same words of promise we hear through the prophet, who reminds us that it was not a messenger or an angel but the very presence of God that saved God's people. This incarnational presence comes to completion in the birth of Jesus who is Emmanuel -- God with us. Even though we as humanity are broken, the promise of God's presence in all things comes to life through the Christ-child. God is here. We are not alone.
Even though Christmas is generally a time of great joy, there are many who feel pain around the holidays. For some, this might be the first Christmas they are facing after the death of a loved one. For others, who are living in the midst of broken relationships, Christmas can be hard. In the midst of difficulties we all long to hear the same words of promise: "I am here for you. You are not alone." These are the same words of promise we hear through the prophet, who reminds us that it was not a messenger or an angel but the very presence of God that saved God's people. This incarnational presence comes to completion in the birth of Jesus who is Emmanuel -- God with us. Even though we as humanity are broken, the promise of God's presence in all things comes to life through the Christ-child. God is here. We are not alone. And we remember Isaiah 63:7-9 I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely"; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
0 Comments
We know that as we look forward to Christmas, there are various challenges or aspects of sadness that unfold in many lives. For example, our prayers go out to Jeannette and her extended family - her brother Jerry passed away from his battle with cancer this last Friday night. Also, Jerry's daughter Vickie is battling cancer. We know Kelly and his extended family still need our prayers - his mother Nancy had her funeral service this last Saturday afternoon and all of Kelly's extended family will miss her.
|
Author(s)These brief writings are a collection from various sources. We hope you enjoy them. Let us know if you have something that you would like us to post Archives
November 2022
Categories |