Emmanuel

A couple Sundays ago Tim Keller said that "Christmas means God understands"  That statement has stuck with me.  Jesus was born a man and lived 33 years on this earth.  He was tired, he was hungry, he was tempted, he wept, he did it all and he did it all perfectly.  He went through it all and therefore he understands. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16.  At Christmas time you heard Jesus called "Emmanuel" quite often.  Emmanuel means "God with us".  Although I have understood that statement for sometime, this Christmas it is resonated with me in a new way.  Jesus came to be with us so that he could rescue the world.  He was here in flesh and he now is here in spirit.  He is with me.  In the season in my life where I am, I need that truth so much.  God is with me.  He was born in that manger for me because He knew that I needed Him.  He knew that I needed a redeemer.  I am so thankful for Jesus that He was willing to leave his home in Heaven for me so that I can be called a Child of God.  And since I am a child of God he loves me, he cares for me, he is patient with me, he has a plan for me, he treasures me, and he understands. 
Thank you God for sending your son Jesus to be born on that quiet night in Bethlehem many years ago, to spend 33 years on this earth, and to die a humiliating and painful death, so that I can be saved from my sins and be adopted as your daughter.  On this Christmas I pray that this will be the focus of my heart.  That God is with us and for that reason we celebrate Christmas!