He Is Here!

If I have a least favorite month, I suspect it would be January: recovery from spending  and eating too much, barren and colorless landscapes, unpredictable weather and wardrobe, not to mention – the perils of learning to write the new year!

 

How quickly and easily we forget:  “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.” (Matthew 1:23). The event was heralded by Isaiah some 700 years before, “…a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His Name Immanuel.” (7:14).  Mr. Bill and I anticipate the arrival of a new grandchild next July, and choosing a name is well underway.  We know the joy of a new baby, and the hopes and dreams that accompany the new life.  Those greatly pale, however, in the Eternal Hope we have in Jesus Christ.  Just as foretold, He did arrive miraculously and gloriously; He was named Emmanuel; He lived and died accomplishing God’s redemptive plan; He returned to Heaven, exalted as the Risen Lamb to take His rightful place at The Father's right hand.  We all know this, but [do tell] what any of that has to do with the oft times dreariness of life – of January?  Aha, so glad you asked!  Emmanuel – it's more than a name given to a child!  Shortly before Jesus went back to Heaven, He said, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever." (John 14:16).  You see, "God with us" isn't something of the past -- He is still with us.  Satan tries to dull our spirits and overwhelm us with gloom and despair, but it is not to be because ... God is with us!  Let us not look at January (or any month, day, moment) at face-value.  We just celebrated the Emmanuel’s coming – let’s not focus on what is seasonally past – the lights, gatherings, food, passing moments of celebration. Be warmed – renewed – empowered because ... He is here with us!