Immanuel – God is with us

This is the season where we anticipate God's coming to live with men through the birth of Jesus.

From the beginning of creation, God has desired intimate relationship with man and woman. He walked with them and talked with them in the cool of the day in Genesis 3.

At the end of time, the events of this present age will culminate in God coming to dwell with us on the earth.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them. Revelation 21:3

I have been thinking about what it means to live as though I believe that God is with me. This seems especially important given events like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and people experiencing terror and the devastation of grief. It feels important as I talk with people in my office about their pain and suffering and how they can connect with God when their feelings are so intense and ugly. I feel more desperate for God to be with me when I experience shock, disappointment, pain, rejection or loss. I think that this is fairly normal.

But, I think that it is just as important to consider how God is with me when things are going well. As I look forward to having time off of work to rest and play with my family, I want to continue to intentionally pursue God as Immanuel, the God who wants to be with me. I want to share with Him my joys and celebrations as much as my hurts and fears. I want to celebrate God as Immanuel in every season, situation and feeling. I want to learn to live my life in deep partnership with God and to let Him tabernacle with me.

I long for the day when Jesus will be on the throne of the earth in Jerusalem and Father God will come to live with us here, on a refashioned planet. I want to start practicing for that kind of closeness today.

Still Counting Gifts:

#659: 3 more days of work before I am off for Christmas break
#660: A quiet morning at home
#661: How God quiets me with His love and makes me still when I think on Him
#662: An office nap yesterday afternoon
#663: My beautiful and cozy scarf gift
#664: How God teaches me and helps me to steward every feeling well
#665: The ability to receive today and each day as its own gift without worrying about tomorrow

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