EMMANUEL

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace".  Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Mary's back had been aching for some time now, she shifted her weight attempting to find a more comfortable position.  Nine months pregnant and riding 90+ miles on the back of a donkey was no small feat. Joseph pressing onward in order to gain safe shelter, for Mary would soon deliver.  

I imagine no one truly noticed the couple as they came in from a long journey's travel in the middle of the night.  Why would they?  I'm sure they looked like all the other traveler's making their way to Bethlehem to register for the census as commanded by the government.  Which meant limited space available.  Everyone would be busy rushing about trying to the meet the deadline and find their own shelter. Self-preservation and all.

All the while, God was orchestrating one of the greatest events of all time. While all creation slept, He chose an audience of stable animals as the world gained a Savior.  Mary's heart swelled within her chest as she kissed him every so gently on the cheek.  She was overwhelmed with a great deal of emotion as she held what she knew to be the Son of God in her arms. 

My mind, nor my heart can fathom the concept of God's chosen vulnerability to become one of us in order to save us.  God in the flesh, fully God and fully man.  I cannot begin to understand how Mary and Joseph felt in that very moment. The weight of the world on their shoulders as they prepared to raise the "Son of God".

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn”. Luke 2:7 NKJV

Along with the audience of stable animals, God announced the greatest message in all the world to the lowly shepherds living in the fields of Bethlehem watching over their flocks. Who better to announce the “Lamb of God”? I can only imagine the astonishment and fear on their faces as the sky filled up with the heavenly host that sang praises in the name of their LORD.

All the while, far from the East, came three led by God’s star bringing gifts to the prophesied king. God’s chosen audience, small yet sufficient and each chosen with a purpose in mind. A picture of a message for all. From the lowly shepherd to the king and all between.

Every day is a gift. We should celebrate THE DAY that brought it all together. I write, because He gives me words and truths to proclaim in HIS name. I share, because I want everyone to have the opportunity to truly know the Savior of the world.

He came to seek those that were lost. His message encompasses all of mankind bringing Hope to a desperate world unaware of the God who created it all. A message of Peace, Love, Joy and Forgiveness. As you gather this Holiday season, may you take time to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. May you put down the presents and take time to be in HIS Presence.

Thank you, Father, for the breath in my lungs, the clothes on my back and the shelter over my head that you could not even find for yourself on that cold night so very long ago. Thank you for choosing to come and walk among your people. Thank you for choosing to leave all of heaven in the rear view. For laying down your crown in order to take up a crown and a cross that was meant for me.

Let us never forget the cost He was willing to pay for us.

He came for you. He lived for you. He died for you. He arose for you. He is coming back for you!

King of Kings and Lords of Lords.

Emmanuel (God with Us).