God's Promise
People have many different conceptions of God. Many think God is above them. God is so far away, that for all intents and purposes, he may as well not exist. That god is distant, uninvolved, unconcerned. Others think of God as the divine judge who is waiting for you to get out of line and whack you with judgement. That god inspires fear. Another view is that God rewards right behavior so that every blessing in life comes because you are good. That god is one who can be bought.
The God of our faith is not a god who is above (distant), for (on your side), or against (harsh). God is with us.
God makes an astounding promise through the profit Isaiah. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Is 7:14) The Messiah, our Savior, would come and be a part of our human struggle. He would be with us, experiencing hardship, betrayal, death of loved ones, and loneliness. This God who is with us cares about our human condition. Jesus didn’t come to judge us, but to love us. Jesus doesn’t write us off -- He lifts us up. Jesus doesn’t condemn us -- He embraces us. Jesus doesn’t leave us to simply try our best -- He gives us the Holy Spirit so we can live by his power. God is with us in Jesus Christ. Jesus entered into the chaos of human life to restore order, peace, and beauty in every aspect of our lives.
No matter what you are going through this Christmas, God is with you! Jesus understands your pains, temptations, sicknesses, loneliness, and struggles. He enters into the chaos and ugliness of your life to lift you out of the mire. Jesus came to unshackle you from the sin that has hurt other people, driven them away, and left you isolated with regrets. Jesus came to comfort you in your loss and invites you into His own family. Know that God is with you this Christmas. Only He can meet your most profound needs. God is with you. Jesus is with you. The Spirit is with you. This is the gift of Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Jonathan