“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23
Have you had enough of Christmas yet? I love Christmas and almost all that comes with it but as an introvert I will admit that once in awhile throughout the holiday I just want to be left alone! For me some of the activities, parties and shopping among crowds can be overwhelming. I need some space to regroup and move forward.
Jesus came to earth to be Immanuel, God with us. It has been said that Jesus is God with skin on. God became man, born of a woman and raised by imperfect parents. He knows the struggles we face and the sorrows we bear and loves us in spite of those struggles and imperfections.
When we argue with another person sometimes one or the other walks away from the argument. Sadly sometimes people walk away from relationships all together. There is no chance to explain or reconcile.
I am so thankful that Jesus is not like this! He is with us and will always be. While he doesn’t love our sin He continues to love us in spite of our sin. If we turn our back on Him Jesus will always be there waiting for us to turn back to Him.
Most of us know the story of the prodigal son who walked away from home and squandered his inheritance. When he hit bottom and had been left all alone by his friends he turned back to the one he had left. He went home.
The prodigal son was welcomed home by his father, not grudgingly or as a servant but with fanfare and rejoicing because his son was home. This is a picture of how Jesus feels when we turn back after being away for a time. He will always have arms outstretched waiting for our return.
I am thankful that if there are times when I’m angry at God or disappointed by His decision I don’t have to worry that I will be left alone. He will give me the space I desire, but will keep after me until I turn back to His welcoming arms.
I praise God that He sent Jesus to be Immanuel, God with us!
Paula Davis 