Immanuel Whether for good or for bad, Christmas can be a time of reflection. In your moments of stillness and rest, what have you reflected upon this past month? Do snippets of your childhood come to mind as you decorate the tree, bake cookies, or plan to make that special meal for Christmas? Most years when it is time to put up the tree in the Flood home, I am transfixed back to the early 1980’s when a family of five (a mom and four young children) take a drive in the snowy countryside to pick out and cut down a tree. A small tree farm based on the honor system, you put your payment for the tree in the box before you leave. I am not even sure this family had very much to put in that box. They travel home down their long driveway to their home in the woods. They decorate their small Christmas tree with homemade, cut-out, painted salt-dough ornaments and garlands of cranberries and popcorn. This family is my family and I am the second of four children raised in a single parent home because my parents divorced when I was seven. Although at times my childhood was hard, as I reflect upon my life I can see the presence of Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 states, “The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel--which means God with us.” “Immanuel was the title given to Jesus, because Jesus was God united with man, and showed God was dwelling with men” (Smith’s Bible Names Dictionary). Immanuel is with us all the time--in the good times and in the tough times. In those tough times He offers hope, filling us with joy and peace (Romans 15:13). God was in my family in those tough times of childhood. For all practical purposes, my mom was a widow. My father remarried and moved to Florida sending very little monetary support or offering relational support. God has a special place in His heart for widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 10:18). Although we had very little, God provided for our family, a lot of times through our local church. One Christmas, a man from our church dressed up as Santa Claus and delivered gifts to our home. Can a man dressed as Santa be a tangible representation of Immanuel? I believe he can when joy is brought to children and they realize they are not alone and that they are cared for and loved. As I look back through my life, I can see numerous ways God has been Immanuel to me. Each instance brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart as I realize I was not alone--God was with me. What does Jesus, Immanuel, mean to you? As we enter this final week of Advent and Christmas is only a few days away, what is the state of your heart? If you don’t know Jesus personally, if He has not become your Immanuel, take time to get to know Him. Begin by reading Luke chapters 1-3. If that piques your interest, move onto the book of John. Feel free to reach out to Samantha or myself with any questions you may have. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, take time to share with your children, your family and your friends your Immanuel stories (Psalm 78:1-7) this Christmas season as you gather together. May we each be grateful for the best gift this Advent Season, Immanuel, God with us.
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AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
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