a Christmas post

There are five days until Christmas and I'm just not feeling it. I am still working, and that may have a factor, but I don't think it's the only reason. I haven't needed to bundle up or been cold enough to want some hot chocolate. I won't be leaving town so I don't have travel to think about. I have even tried listening to Christmas music which is not something I do in excess as many do. I don't really know what it is except maybe a combination of them all. What I do know is this, Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). We hear this a lot around Christmas time. God has made me keenly aware of this name given to Jesus this season. And God has a purpose in all things. So as I sit here pondering this season and my feelings (or lack thereof), about it, I remember Immanuel, God with us. And then I remember John 1:1

“In the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God”

and then John 1:14

“and the word became flesh and dwelt among us”

Since before time, God and Jesus “were”. The beauty of the story of Christmas is that what always “was”, now comes down and puts on flesh and now has feeling.

Fully God and fully human. All-powerful and fully susceptible to the hurts of the world.

In this I find hope. Yes God, I believe, but I can't say I always feel so strong about my belief. And let me be clear, this is not the result of unanswered prayer or disappointment. That's what makes it harder to confront. How do I remain faithful when I don't feel like it? I do wish I could point you to the three step process, but I can't. The only thing I know how to do is to keep moving forward and expect God to show up and revive your feelings. I believe that just as the Israelites celebrated Immanuel, God with us after waiting four hundred years, we too will have a moment of celebration. Be careful not to expect more than was promised. God's time is different than our time, his ways higher than ours. I don't know what you might be waiting to celebrate, or how you are feeling these days, but I know the reason we celebrate Christmas is Immanuel, God with us. And indeed He is. Here to dwell and be peace in our lives when everything around us is not.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is well pleased!’” Luke 2:13-14

As I continue on my journey and strive to never stop growing, I must remember God's truth more often and believe them with more power. God's word never changes, but His Spirit in us changes us through the word. Wherever you are, remember God's word and His truth. Praying the Holy Spirit does a work.

Merry Christmas friends and as always, never stop growing.

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