It was 65 degrees here this past weekend, in Michigan, in the middle of December. Not typical weather for us. Something else unusual for me was this Thanksgiving was the year my married kids went to their in-laws so Karsten, Collin and I went to Florida to be with my parents. It’s been about 15 years since I had been there for Thanksgiving. It was different to go for walks every day in my shorts and lay out by the pool, not the typical activity I was used to for Thanksgiving. For as long as I can remember, the kids and I have gone to the tree farm the same weekend at Thanksgiving to cut down our tree. Since I was in Florida we did it the weekend after, not what I was used to.
When you think about it, what king leaves his life of honor and glory in his kingdom to come to a place of chaos, trials and hard work? Not typical behavior for a king. The bible tells us that glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God (1 Timothy 1:17). How many kings would become the least for me? Listen to this song:
There is only one who gave up His heavenly throne, Jesus. We will all probably sing the Christmas carol, Hark! The herald Angels Sing, at least once this season. Think about the words, “Hail the incarnate Diety, pleased as man with man who dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel….Born that no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth…Hark! The herald Angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.'” He came and dwelt among us only to die to give us second birth.
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophets foretold of His birth. “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanueal, meaning God is with us.” Isaiah 7:14. Even after Jesus died and returned to heaven, He is still with us. He has left us the Holy Spirit to guide us, teach us, convict us of our sins, empower us, and is our guarantee of eternal life with God.
For some, Christmas is a hard time because we remember those we have lost or difficult relationships. A Christmas present isn’t going to change that, well maybe temporarily. We need the presence of God. He will be with us always. He will help us. He will strengthen us. Emmanuel, God is with us!
Who do you know this Christmas season that needs some encouragement? Share with them the presence of God. The best part of Christmas is not the presents we receive, but the presence of God with us.
Thank you King Jesus that you stepped down from your heavenly throne to dwell among us.
On the journey,
Trish
Merry Christmas Trish and a Christ filled New Year.