Advent

We truly love this time of year!! This one single word both captivates our gratitude for God sending His Son and at the same time defines the hope we have in His return. During this Advent season, we must admit that we are drawn to another word that seems to singularly acknowledge our current circumstance and provide hope all at the same time. This word is one of the most cherished names given to Jesus in the Scriptures – Immanuel – God with us. This word is more than a theological truth regarding the incarnation, or some word to sing in a carol at Christmas, Immanuel – God with us – is a reality we can live out every day.
During our preparations for this Advent season, we have consistently been confronted with this word and the thought that What if “Immanuel – God with us” – might have more than a word for those of us who are trying to just make it from day to day in the midst of other words – COVID-19, OMICRON and BLACK FIRDAY to name a few.

In contemplating this, a string of phrases seemed to come into focus:

I see you… I hear you … I am with you… I can help you…

I see you…

I see the heavy load you are carrying. I see the weariness in your eyes, the tension in your shoulders. I see your sleepless nights and anxious thoughts.
I see your heart. Your desire to love others. Your desire to serve Me
I see you trying so hard!

I hear you …

I hear your concerns, your questions, your doubts.
I hear your complaint, your lament, your frustration.
I hear the criticism you are receiving. It feels like no matter what you do, you can’t win.
I hear the lies you are tempted to believe. The old wounds that get triggered in these stressful days.
I hear you wondering if you should give up.

I am with you …

I view your weakness tenderly. There is no condemnation. Only compassion.
Even when you’re at your worst, I am not ashamed to call you my own.
I am with you every step of the way and I will never leave you or forsake you.
I love you.

I can help you…

I will be your helper, your defender, your protector.
I will be your strength in this.
I will be your guide through this.
I will give you joy in spite of this.
And I will give you hope in the midst of this.

Do us a favour – Take a moment and reread this. If you were to take each of these points and personalize them, what do you sense Immanuel might be saying to you?

Our dear Brothers and Sisters these ARE the very words He does say to you through the Holy Spirit. Be Assured that in the hustle and bustle of this season, your Lord and Saviour sees you, hears you, is with you and has given his life to help you.

May you feel His presence in love this Christmas. From our family to each and every one of yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Pastors Marlee and Dave.