Immanuel. God with us.
We first see it in prophecy. "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Next, we see it when God sends his son, Jesus, to live on the earth. Prophecy is fulfilled. "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
This Christmas, I'm learning that grief is another way of experiencing Immanuel. I'm learning that through grief, in the midst of suffering, we can experience Immanuel. God is with us.
God is with me in the beauty of the clouds blanketing the sky.
He is with me through the glorious vibrancy of the autumn leaves that line the roads I travel daily.
He is with me in the words of faithful friends.
He is with me in the laughter of my children and in my husband's hand that reaches for mine.
He is with me in the beauty of song that fills my soul as only music can.
He is with me in the words of scripture that speak of truth, grace, and love.
He is with me as my mind is flooded with a lifetime of memories I was blessed to have with my dad.
He is with us in so many ways! We need only to recognize it! This may require a quiet heart, a slower pace, and a willingness, or even a hunger, to see and hear from God.
Even though my heart is heavy this Christmas, I am experiencing Immanuel. God is with me, and I'm so very thankful!