For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Series Focus: “A Time for Everything”
I don’t think anyone close to me would describe me as a “party animal,” but I definitely love an outstanding get-together! Being the type of person who loves having family and friends around me only amplifies during the holiday season. Celebrating Christmas Eve in the home of my sister, with appetizers galore, the smell of cookies, candles, and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree in the background set the stage for a memorable evening for all of us. The perfect setting for laughter, hugs, and lots of chatter!
But Christmas looks different for all of us. We have joys and difficulties, gains and losses, and many other changes year to year. The company we keep may alter, the emotions filling us vary; but in this glorious season, one thing remains constant and sure. The remembrance of the birth of our Savior brings hope to the forefront of all other festivities and the name given Him proclaims a truth we can rest in forever.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23 KJV)
Scripture tells us many marvelous names of God. We know Him as Jehovah, Yahweh, El Roi, Prince of Peace and many more. But the name Emmanuel holds an intimate place in our hearts. Emmanuel, “God with us,” brings a deeper closeness to our King. He is always beside us, never leaves us and never forsakes us. He holds us close, chases us, prays for us, moves mountains for us, breaks down walls, and in every step He leads us. What better time to rejoice? To party? To shout out praise? The time is now.
Will you celebrate His closeness to you this year? Will you allow the barriers to melt away? Set aside your chains of anger, doubt, rejection, or anything else in the way of Jesus standing with you. He is our reason to throw the most elaborate party ever!
Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” (1 Chronicles 16:31 NLT)
But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. (Psalm 13:5 NLT)
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. (Psalm 31:7 NLT)
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)
May the God of hope fill your heart with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May your spirit overflow with confidence that God is with you until the end of the age. Fill out your invitations to family and friends to attend the most joyous of all celebrations—the birth of King Jesus.
O come, O come Emmanuel – we invite you into our hearts and our homes this Christmas season and rejoice in your everlasting love!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Luke 2:11; Matthew 1:23; 28:20; Isaiah 9:6; Genesis 16:13; Psalm 13:5, 31:7; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 15:13