Emmanuel, God with Us

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

This year has been packed full of blessings, celebrations, suffering, sacrifice and surrender. As this week brings into perspective the root of it all, I am filled with both gratitude and desperation. Gratitude being the main response, because through every circumstance, His presence is with us. That is the meaning of Emmanuel, God with us. He became flesh, and walked the Earth so that you and me could know Him. Through his intimate circle of 12 disciples, His love and grace permeated through generations, across oceans, surpassing language barriers and into the hearts of each of us today who are followers of Jesus. How incredibly glorious is that. When you think of baby Jesus being born in a lowly manger, I pray you see our King. The One who stepped down from Heaven to welcome sinners into his family, to join in the royal priesthood. That is not only the true meaning of the Christmas season, but it is the true meaning of our entire life. To know Him, and make Him known. His presence is the point of it all. I praise Him for the mercy He has shown us through the gift of Jesus, and fully believe Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:16 – 18, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord. The veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” May we remember that the same Word who became flesh still dwells among us today. His glory is not confined to a manger or a moment in history, but made visible as His grace and truth take shape in our lives. May the world see His glory in us, as we abide in His presence, God with us, now and always.