Immanuel

Christmas is coming quickly.  As it always does.  Many of us have family celebrations, loved ones near and dear gather for laughter and loved.  Family connections are strong and deep.  I am blessed to be one of those who have a close knit family, whether we see each other often or not, the ties and love are always present and heart felt. Generations, traditions and love have bound us together.  It is quite a gift from God.

But there are some who don't have those connections.  Who feel adrift and alone, sometimes even among people.  Sometimes it's distance from loved ones.  Estrangements, unforgiveness, even death separates us from a family connection.   But there is one who never leaves, never forsakes, and never stops loving us.  Immanuel--God with us.

It's easy to say to those who are hurting and alone, "Well, just go out and help someone else!"   And while it's a great idea, sometimes loneliness so imprisons a person that they cannot break through the strongholds that bind them.  The funny thing about the Lord though, He will get right in there with us, coming right beside us in the darkest dungeons of our hearts....But He came to lead us out.

Immanuel.....God is with us.  Take His hand this Christmas....in the quiet, in the dark, in the sadness and the lonely....take His hand and let Him envelope you in His arms.  To me, the best part of Christmas day is when I sit quietly with Him enjoying His presence.  Perhaps you can make  your day a time of worship, praise, healing and fellowship with the God who came to earth as a baby to save you, and me, and all of us.  I don't say this lightly.  It is my heartfelt prayer that those who are hurting experience the presence of Christ this Christmas and the hope, love, joy and peace that only He can give.  You will never be alone as long as you find yourself in Him.

Maybe you haven't given your heart to this Savior.  John 3:16  For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.   Yes, He came for you!  That baby born on that long ago Christmas night was destined for the Cross. It overshadows the joy of His birth.  He came not just to live among us for a time, but to deliver us to Himself for eternity.  Accept the greatest gift of all...the gift of salvation.  Invite Him into your heart and your life this Christmas day.  (you don't actually have to wait til Christmas day itself--now is a good time too!).

Thank You God for such a great salvation.  What an amazing plan!  What amazing love!  Lord, I pray for those who are hurting, who are lost and searching, or lost and hiding....find them Lord.  Surround them with Your love.  Addiction, death, distance...so many things separate us from life and lives around us...but never from Your love.  Help people to realize that and feel Your embrace this Christmas and each and every day.  Lord, my heart breaks for them....but I know You are the healer, the one who saves and delivers.  Isaiah 61:1-3  The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoner will be freed.  He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come and with it, the day of the God's anger against their enemies.  To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.  In the righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.   

The day of the Lord's favor is at hand...grab hold and walk with Him into His glorious light.