Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10
Jesus. God with us. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
We celebrate Christmas every year. It’s such an amazing tradition. The telling and retelling the story of Jesus’ birth. I remember a beautiful children’s book my mom and dad read to me called, “When Joy Came.” Every year we read from the colorful pages, the same old story. I think of that hymn …sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life. The birth of Jesus our Savior is always Good News no matter how many times you’ve heard it!
Jesus came as the baby we celebrate at Christmas but He grew up to change the world. He conquered sin by dying on the cross and He overcame death when He rose from the grave!
There have been times in my life when I have struggled with fear and anxiety. Sometimes paralyzing fear. This is a hard world and life is not a bowl of sweet cherries, there are plenty of sour ones. But Christmas means that in this broken world, God is always with me. In fact, God says in Isaiah, fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Christmas is filled with many presents, but I hope in all the celebrations and traditions you didn’t miss His Presence. There is no where we can go that He is not. He tells us over and over again that He is with us…always, to the very end of the age. As we exhale the holidays, may we inhale the life changing truth that Jesus is with us always and He loves us unconditionally. That is peace.
May the God of peace fill your heart and home this holiday season. Sweet blessings for a new year filled with His presence and His peace.
His servant and yours,
Paula