“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
From the garden to the cross he remains with us. In 2020, the year that will define a generation, he remains faithful. The miracle of Christmas is that God became flesh and dwelt among us. So vulnerable, so innocent. We needed to care for him. The way to power is through humility; to path to resurrection is through the cross.
We have all journeyed on the way of the cross during this advent. Ironic—usually we’re preparing for the excitement of getting together with families. We see December 25th as the endpoint of weeks or preparation and anticipation. But in many of our homes, it will be very silent, particularly for seniors and singles. We will need to invite the Christ child to sit with us by the fire, near the tree, and comfort us, as he always has, with “I will never leave you or forsake you. . . Come unto me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He weeps with us. He rejoices with us, and he promises us a new day, when there will be “no more tears, no more dying, no more parting.”
From our family to yours: “Merry Christmas”
“Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay;
Close by me forever, and love me always.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.” Amen
Mindi Oaten’s painting “Messiah the King: Promise Fulfilled” is from God’s Garden of Grace collection.
