Christmas has always been a precious time to me. From the time I was a little child old enough to appreciate the beautiful music and the family traditions to now as a middle-age adult I have loved the time of reflection.
Immanuel - God With Us. Jesus, the Son of God, became flesh for me. Me. Have you stopped to consider exactly what that means? I am thinking that many, like me have taken for granted all that He relinquished to become man.
Imagine being surrounded by angelic beings, all awaiting the words that fell from your lips. All of heaven's hosts singing and praising you for who you are. Being in constant communion with the Father. Never experiencing hunger, cold, pain. Not any of it. He was very God.
And yet, there was love. God's love. For us. Me. You. Each in our own sin, each deserving of nothing. And yet, there was love. Love poured out. Love relinquished heaven's glory. Love surrendered position. Love transcended time and space.
In Isaiah 7:14 the prophecy concerning the Savior was revealed. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Immanuel, God with us. Stop and let that thought pour into your mind and heart. God - with - us. It is almost overwhelming to consider.
And so to earth, He came. He took on all of what it means to be human. He faced what no other has ever faced. He took on the complete and terrible punishment for our sin, my sin. He felt my pain, he took on my guilt, he paid my debt. God, very God became flesh for me.
When I gaze at that little baby wrapped protectively in the arms of His mother, Mary I am humbled. There are not words to express the gratitude that I feel at this season of my life for the One who came to save my soul. Immanuel, thank You for being here with us!
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