In January the house becomes quiet again as the kids head back to college and I attempt to get back on a schedule. As I reflect on our December, I’m reminded that all my favorite Christmas memories revolve around being home with family.
One of the most important aspects of family is simply being there for one another.
Growing up, my parents were present in my life and mom was there each day as I walked in the door after school. I still recall the dreaded 6th grade filmstrip about body changes – my mom was the only parent in attendance that day. At the time, it was awkward but now I realize she chose to be present even in the embarrassing moments. I got over my head in high school with an antagonistic teacher. My father, a Colonel in the Air Force at the time, came to school in full uniform to meet with my teacher. In the normal routine of the day as well as in the difficult times, my parents were with me.
My husband and I have also been with our kids through their highs and lows. On a recent visit home, our son was watching football with only an hour left before he needed to leave. Wanting me to be with him, he asked me to come sit on the couch with him. There was no great conversation and I’m not really a football fan, but just knowing he wanted me with him brought my heart delight.
One of my favorite names for Jesus is Immanuel.
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
The God of the universe became flesh and lived among us. (John 1:14)
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the promised Holy Spirit came to take up residence within the life of every believer. (John 16:7; Acts 1:4; Ephesians 1:13)
Christ is within us and He is our hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
When you pass through the difficult waters of life, the Lord will be with you. (Isaiah 43:2)
If God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
God with us trumps anyone who may be against us. To be with somebody is to be together, to be on their side. The Lord is on our side! Regardless of how we feel, we are never alone.
God is with us!
- In the day to day activities.
- In the mundane.
- In the celebratory occasions.
- In the rough moments.
- In the not-so-proud-of-ourselves times.
- In the noise or in the silence.
- In our pain and suffering.
- In our strengths and weaknesses.
- In our successes and in our failures.
- In our joy and in our sadness.
Whatever you may be going through, find comfort in the absolute fact that Immanuel is with you.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
