Advent 2019 – Day 1
Every year for over thirty years, our family has celebrated Advent with a series of 24 devotionals on a particular theme. Each year a new theme is chosen and this year is no different. So, without further adieu, the theme for 2019 is [drum roll, please] “Immanuel.”
Almost a thousand years before the birth of Christ, God promised Isaiah that a virgin would conceive a child and that child’s name would be “Immanuel.” (Is. 7:14). And when Mary gave birth to Jesus, the gospel of Matthew (1:23) pointed back to that prophecy and declared it fulfilled at last. “O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel” is one of the oldest Christmas carols, though in truth it is an Advent carol. God’s people looked forward to the coming of Immanuel, the time when “God would dwell with us.”
What does it mean for God to be with us? Come back tomorrow and each of the next 23 days and see what we learn about God’s amazing desire to be near His people. In the meantime, why not dig out a hymnal or Google the carol mentioned above and review the words? If you play an instrument, listen to this haunting chant that monks first sang in Latin during the 9th century. Contrast the mournful tune of the verses with the chorus, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come!”
Advent 2019 – Day 2
Welcome back to the second in this Advent series on Immanuel, “God with us.” We begin by going back to the very Beginning, to the Garden of Eden. In the first two chapters of the Bible, God created an amazing garden for Adam and Eve. It was a delightful place, a good place to walk with a friend. And in Gen. 3:8, we find that God was strolling in the garden, looking for His friends.
Thus, the first thing we learn about “God with us” is that from the very start, God’s intention has always been to be with us. He created a perfect environment where God and man could be together forever. Adam was welcome to eat from the Tree of Eternal Life, but told not to sample fruit from the Tree that offered the knowledge of good and evil. However, Adam and Eve plucked fruit from the forbidden tree even before they tried the fruit of the first tree. And as a result of their disobedience, God cast them out of the Garden. Suddenly Adam and Eve knew the desolation of what it meant to live apart from God, to live “not” with Him.
Today, many people still live outside the Garden. They don’t know that, in Christ, they can have eternal life and experience anew that wonderful companionship of “God with us.” It is as if these people are walking through a farmers’ market and smelling the fresh apples and ripe pears but never tasting the sweet flesh of those fruits.
As we part today, consider going to your refrigerator and picking out a fresh crisp apple. Slice it, taste it, savor the sweetness and crispness. And think about our God’s original desire: to be with us.
Advent 2019 – Day 3
Thanks for coming back! Glad you can join us for the next of these 24 Advent devotionals on the theme “God with us.”
Yesterday we saw how from the very beginning, God wished to dwell near His people. Today we discover that His desire has never changed, even though Adam and Eve rebelled against Him and now lived in exile outside His garden. In Genesis 12, God made a promise to Abraham to go with him into a new land. After Abraham died, God made a similar promise to Abraham’s son, Isaac: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you…I will do this because of my promise to Abraham.” (26:24) And later to Isaac’s son, Jacob: “I am the God of your grandfather Abraham and the God of your father Isaac…I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go.” (28:13,15)
When God makes a promise, He does not change His mind. And today, thousands of years later, His desire is still to enjoy the companionship of His children and their children. Looking back, I see how the Lord walked with both my grandfathers. He guided my father through a World War. And now He walks by my side.
Dig out a photo of your grandparents. Ask yourself how God has led your family over the past century, even when some of those family members were unaware of His presence. What legacy of faith will you leave for those who follow you? Will you teach them about the God who is with us?
Advent 2019 – Day 4
Welcome to the fourth devotional in this Advent series on “God With Us.” We’ve seen how God always intended to live in close proximity with His people, and that, even when they walked away from God, the Lord has never abandoned His people.
Have you ever struggled with a disobedient child and experienced the child pushing you away? Did that child reject your best efforts and prefer to stomp off to the isolation of his or her room? Too often, that child was me. Growing up in our home, I managed to spoil most every family photo with a pout. I preferred to sulk and refused to cooperate, but my parents never threw up their hands nor abandoned me.
Imagine how the Lord felt after rescuing His people from Egypt. He performed multiple miracles like plagues of lice, dust and gnats, He parted the Red Sea, and He provided His children with water and food in a wilderness – only to see His people rebel against Him. Yet, even then He did not withdraw His presence. In Exodus 13:21, we see Him continuing to accompany them in the desert, guiding them during the day with a pillar of cloud and providing light at night with a pillar of fire. He remained “with them” there for forty years.
Read Psalm 139:7-10 aloud and offer thanks to the Lord Immanuel who remains at our side no matter what lengths we go to in order to avoid Him.
Advent 2019 – Day 5
If you are joining us for the first time today, welcome! We are in the midst of a series of Advent devotionals on the theme of Immanuel, “God With Us.” You will find earlier thoughts in the series posted at my website, emilychase.com.
When my grandson Josiah was a toddler, one day he climbed out of the family car and shouted at the top of his voice, “Hi, God!” When asked why he was yelling, he replied that he wanted to be certain God could hear him. My daughter assured him that God was everywhere and there was no need to shout. For days after that, as Josiah walked around the house, my daughter heard him whispering softly to himself, “Hi, God!”
We can all learn from Josiah’s youthful example. In Jeremiah 1:7,8, the Lord said to the prophet, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Young or old, we all need to be reminded that God walks near us. Take a moment today to say “Hi, God!” to the One who delights in hearing our voices.
PS: my daughter-in-law sent the following links for your enjoyment!
Advent 2019 – Day 6
Welcome back to the next in this 2019 Advent series on God’s promise to remain with us every hour of every day.
Have you ever experienced acute physical pain without knowing its source? Or the sudden death of a beloved family member? Our brains tell us the Lord is strong, that He is reliable, but when difficult circumstances arise, we often ask, Where is God?
For years I walked through our neighborhood daily. My route crossed a small stream twice. At the first bridge, I often paused to listen as the water burbled and tumbled over the stones in its way. God seemed to call me to slow down and listen to His voice. One day I realized that at the other end of my circuit, the current made no sound at the second bridge. What was the difference?
Obstacles. At the second bridge, no obstacles interrupted the water’s flow. The riverbed had no rocks or branches impeding the passage of the stream.
Is it possible that the obstacles you and I face in life are the very events that allow us to hear God’s voice most clearly? When we are most in need of the assurance that he is near, that is the very time when his voice speaks loudest?
Psalm 23:4 offers familiar words of assurance: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” God is closest to us as we walk through difficulty.
Why not read the entire psalm before you go out to face the world today?
Advent 2019 – Day 7
Thanks for coming back. We are completing the first week of Advent and looking at the theme of “God With Us.”
Sometimes I feel discouraged as I look at the huge mountain of tasks to accomplish as Christmas approaches. Gifts to buy. House to decorate. Cards to mail. Cookies to bake. At the same time all the routine tasks like laundry, meals, and work still demand my time. And this year I face major spinal surgery…again. Sometimes I feel like giving up.
But I draw encouragement from Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you,” and in Is. 43:2, we read, “When you go through deep waters,I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.”
Are you discouraged today? What difficulties do you face in the day ahead? God says to you, “I will be handling all of your problems today, so relax and have a great day!”
PS: here is one more musical link which ties in with our Advent theme. Enjoy!
O come, O come, Emmanuel – (Piano/Cello) – The Piano Guys
► Get our albums: https://smarturl.it/TPG_ALBUMS ► WE’RE ON TOUR! https://smarturl.it/tpgtour ► TPG APPAREL: http://smarturl.it/tpgapparel __________________…
www.youtube.com
Advent 2019 – Day 8
Welcome back to this Advent series on “God With Us.” Have you thought to invite a friend to join you in reading these daily devotionals?
Scripture is full of stories of people who tried to solve difficulties on their own terms. Abraham was old and his wife Sarah was barren, so they tried a human solution seeking out a surrogate mother. King David’s son Absalom wanted to be king and was willing to hurry God’s plan along by murdering his older brother and rebelling against his father. Jonah ran away from Nineveh because he wanted God to condemn the city. All those plans led to chaos and mayhem because they relied on human solutions.
When we face impossible situations at work or at home, it is good to remember the words of Psalm 22:11, “Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me.” When trouble is near, we need to remember that God Himself is also near. He alone can lead us to a safe place.
Read the rest of that psalm and discover, “”O Lord, do not stay far away! You alone are my strength; come quickly to my aid!”
Advent 2019 – Day 9
During the Christmas season, the whole world seems to speed up, so I appreciate your taking time to return to pause and reflect on the real focus of this season. Here we are on the ninth day of this Advent celebration of “Immanuel – God With Us.”
As a counselor, I spend a lot of time listening to people. Some speak easily, pouring out their grief and hurt, looking for healing from past trauma. But occasionally I have a client who does not want to talk. I ask questions but get one word answers. I try to engage but they refuse to make eye-contact. I want to help, but their silence makes it hard to do so.
During this season, we are looking at the theme of God being with us, sitting beside us, anxious to hear our needs and concerns. In Psalm 116:1,2, the author tells us that, “I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.” What a beautiful picture of a father bending down on one knee in order to be near enough to hear the voice of his child! But what if the child never speaks?
What are your concerns today? What weighs heavy on your mind? Remember God is nearby waiting to hear from you.
Advent 2019 – Day 10
As you go about the malls and shops this season, you listen to laughter, see smiles on faces and hear people wish you “Merry Christmas!” They appear happy, but many of those people hide deep pain within. They need “Immanuel – God With Us.”
Yesterday, I mentioned that, as a counselor, I spend a lot of time listening to my clients. Some years ago, one young teenager shared a difficult story of emotional abuse that she received year after year within her home. Children and Youth Services became involved, but emotional abuse rarely meets the level of concern that removes a child from his or her home. My hands were tied. I could not change her parents’ behavior. Instead, over the next months, I helped her learn coping skills that would make her life tolerable until she was no longer a minor in their care. I shared with her about faith in a God who could help her forgive and heal.
Imagine if God sat next to you and listened sympathetically to your needs but had no power to change your circumstances! Our God is far more powerful than we are. His hands are not tied. As Isaiah 59:1 says, “The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is His ear too deaf to hear your call.”
Take time today to read Psalm 18:4-19. In those brief verses, David cries out for help and the Lord sets aside all other priorities and races to the side of His child. As the psalmist concludes: “He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.” As you step out your door today, remember that your God delights in you!
Advent 2019 – Day 11
No doubt many of you find your calendars filling up in these busy weeks leading up to Christmas. There are office parties, school concerts and church nativity plays. Thanks for taking time out to return for another of these Advent devotionals.
Have you discovered as you shop for gifts that some ads are misleading? The sign may say 50% off the original price, but later you discover the original price was artificially jacked up? Or you can buy one item for $5.00 or, on special, two for $12.00? Or you buy an expensive game console “compatible with all computers” – except yours. None of us like to be fooled by false claims.
When the Lord promises that He will be near us, we can trust those promises to be true. As it says in Psalm 119:151, “You are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true.” Just a few verses earlier, the psalmist says,”Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much…As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.”
We can rely on the fact that no matter where we go or what we face, our heavenly Father will remain near.
Prices in stores may change from day to day. The Lord offers us a firm foundation when everything around us is in flux. Will we be as reliable in serving Him today?
Advent 2019 – Day 12
Can you believe we are now halfway through Advent? We are gradually learning more and more about what “Immanuel – God With Us” means. For example we have seen that it has always been God’s desire to be near His people. He delights to listen to us and has power to respond to each of our needs. However, those privileges come with responsibilities.
In 1 Kings 11:38, we learn “If you listen to what I tell you and follow my ways and do whatever I consider to be right, and if you obey my decrees and commands, as my servant David did, thenI will always be with you.”
God being with us involves a two-way conversation. He listens, yes. But He also speaks and expects us to listen and obey. How do we know what He is saying? The answer is in the same verse above: “if you obey my decrees and commands.” One of the ways we hear His voice most clearly is when we read the Bible and allow it to change our lives.
Why not take your Bible off your shelf today and carry it with you to the coffee shop, your office, the library or your recliner? Open it up and listen to His voice.
Advent 2019 – Day 13
Did you know that the number of people joining us in following this Advent theme is growing each day? Some people are following it at my website, others on Facebook, still others on GoodReads. I think this increase of interest reflects how much people desire the presence of “God With Us” in their daily lives.
When Matthew tells the story of the lost sheep, we see the Shepherd leaving the 99 sheep in the safety of the fold and searching for the one lost lamb on the mountainside. We rejoice when the lamb is found and carried home on the Shepherd’s shoulders. But sometimes we forget that there was also joy for that lamb when it reunited with the rest of the flock.
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus told his followers, “Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them…”
Why not call a friend today and invite them to join you for a cup of hot chocolate? Or at least talk by phone and encourage each other to remember that when you two are together, the Sovereign Lord of the Universe is on the same party line!
Advent 2019 – Day 14
Welcome back to another of our Advent devotionals about “Immanuel – God With Us.”
Have you ever felt like you were all by yourself against a huge crowd of people? I remember when my daughter Prisca was in a school assembly, and Officer Friendly was asking the crowd about rules for driving in Pennsylvania. “Is it okay to drive after drinking?” he asked. “NO!” hundreds of students yelled. “Can you drive legally if you are ten years old?” “No!” they shouted. “What about driving barefoot?” Again the whole assembly shouted, “NO!” Except for one small voice. My daughter said, “Yes.”
Officer Friendly looked at her sternly and asked why she thought it was okay to drive barefoot. “Because my mother said there are only two states in the country that allow it…California and Pennsylvania.” All her friends were staring at Prisca; they expected the officer to say she was wrong. But to their surprise, he grinned and said, “You’re RIGHT!”
God gave Jeremiah a message that no one wanted to hear and Jeremiah was afraid of the people, but God told him, “Today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land – the kings, officials, priests and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail, for I am with you, and I will take care of you. I the Lord have spoken.” (Jer. 1:18,19)
We are never alone when God stands with us!
Advent 2019 – Day 15
Every day brings the excitement of Christmas closer. I hope that these brief Advent devotionals are helping you keep your focus on Immanuel – “God With Us.”
When we walk with God, sometimes we find ourselves out of step with the world around us. The newspapers are full of accounts of court decisions about bakers and photographers and florists that, because of sincerely held religious beliefs, have lost their businesses due to discrimination lawsuits. Standing alone against the tide of society carries a heavy cost. Even if the person wins his case, the lawyer fees can be overwhelming and force them into bankruptcy.
In contrast, Isaiah 50:8 says, “He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against e now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear!” According to Rom. 8:34, our Lord stands beside us in court to defend us. The Father is Judge, but the Son is our defense attorney stands by our side and pleads for us. And as for our legal fees? The defense attorney paid them Himself!
Today, if you are out driving and see a patrol car or sit waiting at a traffic light, take a moment to thank the Lord for satisfying every demand of the law.
Advent 2019 – Day 16
How good to have you back again for the next in our Advent series on the theme “Immanuel – God With Us.”
Just because the Lord walks at our side does not mean that everything in our lives runs smoothly. Jesus lived in a world that rebelled against God’s laws and continually pressured Him to conform.. And God now has assigned us the task of changing this world, drawing His people back to His embrace.
I think the Lord expressed this most clearly when He spoke to to Jeremiah:
. “I will restore you so you can continue to serve me.
If you speak good words, rather than worthless ones,
you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
do not let them influence you.
They will fight against you like an attacking army,
but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
Yes, I will certainly keep you safe
from these wicked men.
I will rescue you from their cruel hands.”
(Jer. 15:19-21)
As you meet people today, consider your own words. Are they worthless? Or are your words influencing others to think about the true meaning of Christmas, the arrival of Christ with us?
Advent 2019 – Day 17
Thank you for sticking with me through this Advent season a we explore the theme “Immanuel – God With Us.”
Yesterday we saw that God walks by our side as we move through our days in a world that has rebelled against His ways. Sometimes we are tempted to give up hope. How can one individual, even with God at his side, ever respond to the needs of millions of refugees displaced from their homes? How can one person ever hope to prevent the horror of school shootings or stop the violence of terrorists?
Again the words of the Lord give us comfort:
“Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;
do not be dismayed, Israel.
For I will bring you home again from distant lands,
and your children will return from their exile.
Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet,
and no one will terrorize them.
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
for I am with you,” says the Lord. (Jer. 46:28)
Right now our world is full of strife, but the Lord promises that the terrorists will not win. One day stress will fade and we will experience peace and quiet as we sit at His feet. Why not take a few minutes right now to sit quietly in His presence before you hurry out the door to your day?
Advent 2019 – Day 18
Immanuel is almost here! Welcome to the eighteenth devotional thought of this Advent series on “God With Us.”
Writing these devotionals each year is always a pleasure for me as they force me to take time to slow down and focus on the real meaning of this holiday season. However, the thoughts that I post each day do not merely happen on their own. First I pray about a theme for the new year. Then I gather passages of scripture that relate to that theme and put the ideas in an outline that presents the thoughts in what is hopefully an orderly progression. And then each individual devotional must be written. Some require hours before they take shape.
When God seeks out our companionship, He does not merely want to stroll with us in a garden or chat over a cup of coffee. He has work for us to do!
When the people of Israel returned from captivity in Babylon, one of their first tasks was to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. In Haggai 2:4, the Lord says: “Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’”
What has God been calling you to do? Have you been postponing it? When Immanuel is with us, sometimes it is is merely to chat, but other times He is there to kick us into action. Get to work!
Advent 2019 – Day 19
Advent is a joyful time of year. The piles of gifts begin to accumulate under the tree. The smell of fresh baked cookies wafts through the house. Greeting cards arrive with news of old friends.
Have you ever had a dear friend drop out of touch? There was a time when you talked almost every day and shared laughter and tears. But suddenly they moved away. Or you took a new job and you lost contact. Friendships ebb and flow. Is “Immanuel – God With Us” like that? Does He only show up in a time of crisis or, worse, does He disappear when you most need Him?
As Jesus prepared to leave this world, His disciples felt fearful and anxious. “Where are you going?” they asked. But Jesus assured them that He would not leave them alone. In John 14:16, Jesus replied, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”
Jesus is sitting beside your bed when you wake up in the morning. He delights in hearing you say grace at meals. And He listens when you say, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” But He wants to be at your side every moment of your day. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
As you pick up your mail today and read messages from old friends, don’t forget to acknowledge the presence of the one Friend who will never, never, ever leave you.
Advent 2019 – Day 20
Christmas is less than a week away. I hope you are motivated to continue with this Advent series for a few more days!
For weeks, even months during the Fall season, stores promote Christmas shopping. It used to be that they waited until after Thanksgiving to begin their promotions, then we saw Christmas decorations appear at Halloween, and now holiday displays show up even earlier! Always people look ahead to that time when the holiday will arrive in the future.
Jesus, as He was giving final instructions to his disciples, said something very different. As He gave His great commission at the end of Matthew’s gospel, he did not speak about the past – how He had walked beside them for the previous three years. Nor did He speak of a day in the distant future – when He would be with them again. He used the present tense: “Lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
We all look forward to Christmas morning and opening gifts and eating far too much food. But in our excitement, let’s not forget that Immanuel is here with us now. Today. An ordinary Friday in 2019. Rejoice in His presence!
Advent 2019 – Day 21
For many people, December is a time of anticipation of seeing and being near those we love. Today, the Saturday before Christmas, is a major day for holiday travel as families board airplanes and climb in cars to visit grandparents or grandchildren over the next few days.
Holidays offer opportunities for families to gather, but reunions are not always possible. At Thanksgiving, my husband and I hoped to visit my mother in Massachusetts but a herniated disk in my back forced us to stay at home. One of my brothers lives on Cape Cod; he and his wife stopped by to see us on a recent trip to see one of their children. And another brother visited recently while he was in town seeing his daughter. But distance, health, and family responsibilities too often keep us from all getting together at the same time and place.
We are also part of God’s family, but in Rom. 8:38,39 , the apostle Paul wrote, “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Neither distance, health concerns, nor family obligations ever separate us from Immanuel, God With Us. Will you join Him at His family reunion today?
Advent 2019 – Day 22
For the past three weeks of Advent, we have prepared for “Immanuel – God With Us.” We have seen just how much the Lord desires to be near us. He wants to listen to us, guide us, protect us, and encourage us. He pours out rich gifts of love, anointing us with oil of gladness until our cups overflow.
Christmas hasn’t even arrived, yet my husband and I have already received several gifts. For me, it is a pleasure to write thank-you notes expressing how much I appreciate the thought and love that went into each gift. It seems only right that we would want to also express our gratitude to our Heavenly Gift-Giver.
The psalmist Asaph felt the same way. In Psalm 75:1, he wrote, “We thank you, O God! We give thanks because You are near. People everywhere tell of Your wonderful deeds.”
Before you hurry out the door to work or before you run out to purchase those last minute Christmas gifts for family and friends, why not take a moment and write a thank-you note to the God who is near you today? And then tell someone about one of His wonderful deeds.
Advent 2019 – Day 23
Advent is almost over! Soon we we will welcome Jesus. Imagine the joy Mary experienced after nine months of pregnancy as she embraced “Immanuel – God With Us” for the first time in her arms. Think of Simeon and Anna praying for years and finally beholding their Savior face to face. Magi traveled around 400 miles across deserts on camels or on foot to see this wondrous child. That year, He was in the creche, and in a few short years He was on the cross!
And today? Many people have little understanding of what Christmas is all about. They have no idea that the Sovereign Lord of the Universe is near and that He desires their companionship. As the prophet warned in Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.”
Whom do you know that is lonely during this holiday season? Is there a neighbor who is struggling with a divorce? Is there an elderly patient in a nursing home? Is there a widow who grieves the loss of her spouse? What about the friend facing cancer? Why not share with them the truth that there is a God who loves them and yearns to walk with them through their journey? There could be no better Christmas gift you could offer them.
Advent 2019 – Day 24
Our Advent season has come to an end! And tomorrow we can rejoice on Christmas that Immanuel has arrived to dwell with us.
Last year at this time, our son John’s youngest daughter was only beginning to learn to crawl. Lydia had to be carried everywhere by her mother or father. She was very aware of both their presence and absence. If Kelly left the room, Lydia felt abandoned and protested with tears. Lydia depended on sight.
In this series of devotionals we have focused on how from the very beginning and continuing right until now, God’s forever plan has been to enjoy companionship with His people. In this world we have difficulty seeing Him walk beside us, we can’t reach out and touch His hand. We have to accept His presence by faith.
But a day is coming when we will rise to be with our Lord in Heaven. In Rev. 21:3, the apostle John wrote: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people!He will live with them, and they will be his people.God himself will be with them.”
Faith will become sight. Ultimately we will live with God forever! Tomorrow, as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember His other name: Immanuel – “God With Us!”
