The holidays always bring mixed emotions for me. On one hand, there is a newness and excitement that comes with the first snowfall, houses glistening with Christmas lights, and beautiful music only played one month out of the year.
However, as I grow older, some of the magic of Christmas seems lost. My wonderful family was torn apart by divorce – and their decisions continue to tear at my heart. Instead of looking forward to spending time with my entire family, I dread it. On other occasions, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of being alone. Sometimes it seems like the holidays bring more heartache and headaches than happiness. And deep down in my heart, I am sad because I know things weren’t meant to be this way.
Recently, one night when I was feeling especially alone and discouraged, God spoke to my heart. He didn’t say a lot, just one word. And that word has made all the difference.
“Immanuel.”
“God with us.”
Have you ever stopped to think what Immanuel means to YOU? God is with you. Here. Now. You don’t have to be afraid, alone, or anxious. God is WITH you.
The word “Immanuel” is best known for its part in the Christmas Story. An Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled when Matthew describes the birth of Jesus, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’” Jesus left everything beautiful and glorious to be with us. We are no longer alone. Immanuel is used other times to encourage the people of Israel not to fear when surrounding nations threatened to annihilate their cities. Psalm 46 begins with the words, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” The author goes on to say how wherever God’s presence is, life comes flowing out. Finally, the psalm concludes with a command and a promise, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Immanuel.
Jesus is here.
The situations I encounter won’t be any different this Christmas. My family is the same. My relationships are the same. My feelings are the same. But God has made the story of Jesus come alive to me in a completely new way. He is here with me. I am not alone.
Here is my challenge to you. As you go through this holiday season, look for ways that Jesus shows he is with you. Sometimes its big things, but other times he reveals himself in small ways we usually overlook. Look for opportunities to share a story of how God has been with you. Instead of focusing on the busyness, the shopping, or even the feelings of loss and loneliness, stop. Be still and know that the Almighty God is with YOU. He is Immanuel.
