God Came To Us
Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Jesus came to live among His created. He was already of high status and clothed in glory in heaven, and yet, He left it all to come to a broken world. Jesus’ birth was not one that reflected His majesty. Why would someone of His stature come to be with hurt, imperfect, and lost people? The answer is that He came to rescue us out of His great love for us! Do you ever feel like you just want to be saved from your dysfunctional family, your financial problems, or your overwhelming hurt from missing those that aren’t able to be with you this Christmas? It may not only be during Christmas, but it always seems to be magnified during this season. You and those around you seem to always be on edge, being pulled in all different directions, all while you are trying to stay sane and get work done. You may feel like you just do not know how you will get through. Well, Jesus came to be a lifeline in this life so He can lead you through it! Not saying that He will take you out of your situation, but He came to make it easier on you.
Jesus came as the Light of the world, the greatest gift, the comfort for now, and the hope for the future!
He cares about you and your well-being in the big and small things of life, in order to carry out a much bigger purpose! I love the line in “O Holy Night” where it says “til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” Jesus came to this earth with a mission! He freed us from the enemy’s hold of sin and death, which was meant to keep us from being a child of the heavenly Father. Jesus came, or appeared, to His creation so we can find our worth in Him! When the difficult emotions of life seems to steal our joy, or get too overwhelming, we are able to turn to the only One who truly satisfies the human soul.
Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “..his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Each of these names describe who Jesus is, so let’s scratch the surface of how He is each of these things to us! Jesus shows up with the intent to be our Wonderful Counselor in our hurt and grief. When the feeling of missing someone who is no longer with you comes creeping in during this season, it is good to remember the hope that comes with knowing that Jesus came. He came to destroy sin and death. He came so we could have assurance of one day not having to deal with the brokenness that comes with living in this world. We can move forward with Jesus, knowing that He is providing what we need in each moment along the way. Jesus has the title Mighty God as no other god has lowered Himself to meet His people where they are. The Lord stepped down from His throne to draw close to us, becoming the least, so that we could draw close to Him! Jesus reveals Himself as Everlasting Father as He truly never leaves us in our pain or messes. In addition, we are reminded of how nothing can separate us from the Father’s love, as His love is not the earthly standard, but the heavenly one that surpasses our comprehension! Our Heavenly Father is unchanging and unwavering in a world that is inconsistent and discouraging. And lastly, Jesus is our promised Prince of Peace. He guides us and guards us from all that tries to come against us in this life. No matter what happens, He is where we can find shelter and comfort in our times of need. In the ways that we think no one can understand us, Jesus steps right into our troubles and fears. As we live in this world it can seem like there is darkness all around. However, during this season we get to reflect on the Light of the world entering the darkness. As long as we keep our eyes on our King, and not on our circumstances, He brightens the path as He came to give us life and peace through His Spirit’s presence (Romans 8:6)! When you live life knowing and believing that Jesus saved you, and gave you the gift of life, you begin to experience a whole new way of living! You are able to cling to the Father’s gifts that are given through the Holy Spirit which include: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)! Jesus truly changed the world by entering it. He can also change the trajectory of your life, and your way of thinking, if you begin to really lean into who He is!
Jesus can change the trajectory of your life, and your way of thinking, when you really lean into who He reveals Himself to be!
As you read more about who Jesus is I hope you begin to take everything on with Him as your shield and lifeline. Even though Jesus is not physically living among us right now, He is still Emmanuel, God with us, as He has never left us alone! The gift of His Spirit is the greatest gift left from Jesus’ appearance on earth. Once you truly believe this, you can go through anything, knowing you operate with the King of kings and Lord of lords on your side! Yes, the season may bring up some heavy feelings, but you get the choice to take on your situations with the provision of God’s love and joy in the midst of it! So, let us never forget the wonder of Christmas! How God came to His people, through His Son being born as a baby, to live the life we couldn’t and die the death we should’ve. No greater gift is there than the gift of Jesus’ love, along with His Spirit given, to journey through this life that we’ve been graciously given!
