How do you feel about the Christmas season? What does it mean to you?
In many ways, I love much of it, really. The beautiful lights. The sense of joy. The celebrating with family and friends. And the reminder to focus on the incarnation.
It almost takes me by surprise, when I remember and really focus on it.
God with us.
The One Who spoke everything into being. The One bigger than the breathtakingly big expanse of the universe. The One Who made towering mountains, and wide deserts, and crashing tides, and humongous galaxies, and tiny cells, and intricate flowers… and me.
Outside of time. Yet He made Himself small. Chose to be vulnerable. Chose to hurt. Chose to suffer. Chose to bleed. Chose to die.
Chose to give Himself away. For me.
Yes, it happened over 2000 years ago. But I know it’s just as real today.
And when I think about it, it comforts. It reassures. The awesome God of eternity, choosing to come close. To be with us. To surround us with the ultimate provision of Himself. To love us that much.
I love the lights. I love catching up with family and friends. I love Christmas parties and carol services, and mince pies and Christmas joy.
But, most of all, I love remembering what it means.
God with us.
Born to save sinners. So that all who turn, surrender, believe, receive and follow will be forgiven. And be with God forever. (You can find out more here).
No matter what hurts our hearts hold. No matter what each day may bring.
Emmanuel. God with us. Now and forever.
Here are some lyrics of a song I haven’t finished yet…
This Jesus is Mine
In the straw, there You lie:
The Maker of mankind.
You are Love, this holy child.
Your arms, my God, open wide.
Above, the stars shine bright.
They’re stars You made to shine.
And I hold my breath
At this miracle that’s mine.
And so I bow before the manger,
Lost in love and full of wonder
At our God come close.
You are Emmanuel, God with us
And Your arms are open to us
And forevermore, this Jesus is mine.
Tiny hands, so small now:
Tiny cries. Heaven come down.
Mighty hands, You hold the world,
Holding me, and all of us.
And the darkness fades
For Your love has made a way,
And the light breaks through
The night will end through You.
And so I bow before the manger,
Lost in love and full of wonder
At our God come close.
You are Emmanuel, God with us
And Your arms are open to us
And forevermore, this Jesus is mine.
And the thorns will pierce Your brow
And Your blood will be poured out
You will bear the crowns of thorns for us
And for all who will believe.
And so I bow before the manger,
Lost in love and full of wonder
At our God come close.
You are Emmanuel, God with us
And Your arms are open to us
And forevermore, this Jesus is mine.
I want to kiss this little Baby,
But forevermore He’s with me
And forevermore this Jesus is mine.
Caroline Abblitt 