God with Us (Isaiah 7:14-15), Christmas Eve 2013

On Christmas Eve, my family has a tradition of going to Kevin's and MB's house, wearing pajamas, and ordering carry-out. It's a night that I look forward to every year because it's total relaxation with people who I love and who I know love me. It is a safe place that rejuvenates me. These are the people who know me the best and think the best of me. It is a haven away from the hurt of my insecurities and the pain of brokenness. This year we did something a little different. Kevin & MB invited us to a candlelight service at the church they've been attending, Twin Oaks Christian Church, before coming to their house. Ever since we were kids, our parents would take us to candlelight services, and we loved singing into Christmas or the New Year, so I was excited to go.

Of course the holidays were more emotional for Ryan and me than normal, even though we plan to be home for Christmas 2014. Everything is so much sweeter around Christmas. There's so much more meaning to and reflection on being with those we love. When we're around people who we know love us, we can feel their love stronger. That night at Twin Oaks, my heart was overcome with emotions. My nephew, Graham, sat next to me and rested his head on my arm. I was sitting with my family, who I know would do anything for me. My heart was torn between staying home, where it is safe and where I am so full of love from my family, and going to Japan. It would be so much easier to stay home.

That is when the preacher, Randy Wheeler, started to speak. He spoke of IMMANUEL, God with us! He referenced a sermon given by Charles Spurgeon given on Christmas Eve in 1852.
I was reminded that God will be with us wherever we go!

"May God teach [me] the meaning of that name, GOD WITH US!" This is Hell's terror! Satan trembles at His name! If only I could learn the meaning of this name which makes the master of destruction tremble. I am comforted by this name. This is the ONE who holds me in His hand. This is the ONE who comforts me. When I am overcome with fear, confusion, and loneliness, if I but WHISPER the words "God with us," Satan will tremble away from me. This is the LABORER'S STRENGTH to help me go into foreign lands.

Immanuel is the
       SUFFERER'S COMFORT
                                                                                  BALM OF WOE
                                   ALLEVIATION OF MISERY
                                                                              SLEEP THAT GOD GIVES
                     REST AFTER EXERTION
                                                              ETERNITY'S SONNET
        HEAVEN'S HALLELUJAH
                                                                      SHOUT OF THE GLORIFIED
                                           SONG OF THE REDEEMED

CHORUS OF ANGELS

                                                                            EVERLASTING ORATORIO

GOD WITH US

I could stay in the safety of the known. But if I give up what is GOOD, "safe," and my way, God will be with me and will show my why His ways are BETTER and that He will keep me safe. Starting NOW, may I always remember that God is with me. And on the days when I don't remember that in my heart, may I remember in my mind to be ready with scripture on my tongue so that Satan would get behind me and I can push forward!

May you know the meaning of God With Us this year.
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Christ came into this world for all of us so that we could have LIFE more abundantly! He came into this world so we could have a relationship with Him. We can have a relationship that frees us from suffering, woe, misery, sadness, and entrapment of our own selves. We can have a relationship that gives us rest, a song to shout, an everlasting sonnet and composition, and hope in ALL things. If only we would all let go of OUR plans, OUR priorities, OURSELVES. If only we would follow the God of the universe without fear. If only we would recognize His plans as being far better than our plans. If only we would trust Him to have our best interest at heart. He will give us more than we could ever imagine. If only we would give up something good, for something BETTER. For the greatest gift known to mankind: IMMANUEL. CHRIST! GOD WITH US!

Love,
Amy