With us!

Isaiah 7:14 NKJV

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Who are you with this Christmas?

That's often the topic of conversation before during Advent.

Our neighbours have their family from New Zealand visiting - so there's great joy and anticipation in their household with many preparations for their visit. We've even been invited to share a Christmas tipple with them this morning!

For some there will be great sadness because their loved ones are no longer with them - there's a gaping hole in their heart and an empty chair where they used to sit. Past memories of smiles and laughter haunt the home and hang heavy in the air.

For others miles or conflicts prevent them from being together.

Who is it that you wish you were with today?

Well, whoever you think of, there's One who is "God with us", who has promised to always be close and we celebrate His Birthday today.

Matthew 1:22-23 NKJV

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: [23] "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

Of course we know His Name as Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), but He is "God with us" - someOne who has taken on our flesh and understands us perfectly.

He's close to the broken-hearted Psalm 34:18 NKJV

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 66:2 NKJV

For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.

Jesus is God with us right now and especially if you are bereft and feeling low and lonely, reach out, He is so very close to you, waiting for an invite to come and stay close.

Revelation 3:20 NKJV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and dine with them, and they with Me.

No need to be alone today or ever again!