Together for 60 Days?

Now is the time of year everyone starts thinking about "togetherness".  It may strike a chord of joy to connect with family and friends in a meaningful way.  Or it may cause a sense of dread, spending time with those we don't see eye to eye or would even choose to spend time with.

One of my favorite names for Jesus is Immanuel meaning God with us.  Why would the God of the universe want to spend time with me?  Us?  For many of us, he doesn't see eye to eye with us when we are using our vision rather than his to see the world.  How awkward?  How frustrating for him.  Yet . . . as Joel likes to say, he chooses to spend time with us!  Everyday!  Every minute!  Even if we don't want to acknowledge him.  Even if we don't want to spend time with him.  Even  . . . if our sin separates us.

Jesus is Immanuel!   The one God sent to pay the price of our sin so that we are clean, righteous in God's eyes.  He is the one who brings us together in unity with God.   How then can we not be together and unity with one another?  May God bless our celebration of Christ's birth one and all, together!  

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call his name Immanuel”  (which means, God with us).  Matthew 1:22-23

- Reflection of Mary Stafford