God is with US


 

In the early morning, before the sun is up, I enjoy the quiet of the sanctuary. During the Advent season, I often turn on the Chrismon tree, leaving all the other lights off. The soft glow of its lights fill the space with warmth and a sense of peace. The white and gold ornaments that represent the many names of Jesus, the clear lights and the gold trim, all seem to me to reflect the beauty of the story we celebrate together when the space is filled with the energy and sounds of people of all ages. In a way, I enjoy a few moments of my own “silent night” before the activities of a Sunday morning begin.
This simple act helps remind me of the meaning of the story we retell at this time, year after year, across the centuries. Somehow, in some inexplicable way, Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Always with us. In the beauty and serenity of that early morning sanctuary, as well as in the beautiful chaos of the gathered family. In the warm embrace of love, and in the loneliness of isolation. In the blessing of health and in the depths of illness. In the safety of a settled life, and in the uncertainty of change. What a thought! In whatever life brings, we are not alone.
Long before the birth we celebrate this season, Isaiah wrote, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew quotes Isaiah in his account of Jesus birth to make sure we don’t miss it. Today we sing these words and rehearse these words and, yet, sometimes miss the meaning still. It is a message we all need to hear, not just for ourselves, but for others. God is with US, not just ME. All people are blessed in this birth, for all people are the recipients of the gift. Just as our need for God’s love and grace reminds us of our connection to the entire human family, so does the gift of Jesus. We are all in this together. Fortunately, God is with us too.
Peace.

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