Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:1-25, John 1:14-18, Galatians 4:4-5
Immanuel, God is with us.
When I hear this phrase, it’s tempting to consider it more as figurative language than what it truly means. God is with me, like the companioning spirit of my friend when she texts voice memos from afar. God is with me, like my mother is when one of our inside jokes hits me while cooking fettuccine Alfredo. But for Mary the mother of Jesus, the phrase “God is with us” left no room for interpretation. It was as literal as it gets.
“See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us,’” prophesied Isaiah (Matthew 1:23). Reading the nativity story again, I can’t help but imagine how Mary and Joseph may have thought God’s method for bringing a Messiah was a little close to home. After all, reading about God’s presence in your morning devotion time is an entirely different thing than feeling the incarnate son of God kicking around in your womb. This takes “God is with us” to an uncomfortably close level.
This young betrothed couple were preparing to start their life together, preparing for their own family, when suddenly they were met with an unexpected invitation to parent a different child. One divinely conceived, given from the Father. What shocking news! Yet Mary was a faithful, willing servant. What we do know is the Lord was with her even before she became pregnant. Instead of resisting this divine call, Mary’s words echo a heart of trust and speak to a close relationship with Yahweh. She may not have fully understood how the Word was about to become flesh and be born of a woman, but she trusted God’s love (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4).
It takes faith to believe God is near. Despite any exposure or discomfort that came from bearing God’s Son, it was a precious gift for Mary who was chosen because of her willing heart to say “yes” to God without knowing how it would impact her future. During her pregnancy, Mary’s womb became a tabernacle for God’s physical presence. And, today, our hearts also serve as this tabernacle.
“One need not cry out very loudly,” wrote Brother Lawrence, an everyday believer who served in a Carmelite monastery. “He is nearer to us than we think.” God is with us every moment of every day, in the big things and the ordinary things, because His Spirit dwells within us. Let this image of God’s nearness, or his “with-ness,” be a comfort in whatever you’re walking through right now. God demonstrated His great love for all humankind by coming near, sending His Son to be with us. Yes, Jesus is our Savior, but He’s also our friend. He draws near simply to spend time with us—while we cook, while we clean, while we work, study, and love the people around us.
Written by Bailey Gillespie
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116 thoughts on "Christmas Eve: Love Come Near"
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Lord be with me in the waiting. I’m waiting for a change, for a pulling, for you to grab his heart ❤️
Merry Christmas to all, God with us.
Marys womb became the new tabernacle is such a crazy idea. The temple that held the glory of god was now a teenage girl. And then he walked on earth. what?!
Merry Christmas to all my dear friends on here. What a special thing we all to be able to read these together every day. Praying for everybody that we can all have a wonderful Christmas and feel that the lord is near.
God with us. In every situation. In every heartbreak, in every hard choice, in every breath that is given to us, he is with us!
May my heart become a tabernacle for God! Come abide. Come abide. Holy Spirit You are welcome!
Delight in the with-ness of Divinity, sister Shes.
And witness to His lovely Light.
Happy Birthday Gwineth!!
It’s so comforting that God is always with us! Such a great reminder when we are lonely!
I really don’t think about Him being near until I slow down to spend time with Him. I would like for me to become more aware of His nearness through out all of the circumstances that I go through.
LOVE this song! Listening to it right now!
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Sisters, after my comment this morning and as I started working in the kitchen, the song – Love Divine All Loves Excelling – popped into my head. Only I was singing it in my head to the tune of Hark the Herald Angels Sing!
I have never associated “Love… Excelling” with Christmas music, but it kind of fits in today! Another oldie but goodie by Charles Wesley. Here are the lyrics:
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1 Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.
2 Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3 Come, Almighty to deliver;
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.
4 Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #361
“One need not cry out very loudly,” wrote Brother Lawrence, an everyday believer who served in a Carmelite monastery. “He is nearer to us than we think.” God is with us every moment of every day, in the big things and the ordinary things, because His Spirit dwells within us. Let this image of God’s nearness, or his “with-ness,” be a comfort in whatever you’re walking through right now.
I have been struggling a lot with my mental health in the last week, especially in feeling Jesus near me. I had been feeling so much better over the last few months and now everything seems overwhelming to me. My daughter and her family came home for Christmas, they live 12 hours from us, my son his family live close. We will all be together for the first time in 3 years. I want to find joy in being together and especially joy in the Lord. I feel so discouraged right now, I would appreciate your prayers. Prayers that I would feel His peace and nearness in the midst of my struggles. It has also been very cloudy here for weeks and I believe that is having an affect on my mental health.
Wishing all of you His peace as you gather with your families over the next few days.
I understand; I am going through similar struggles as I recover from a surgery that was far more painful that anticipated. Praying for you now.
Praying, Arlene.
Arlene, praying for overwhelming joy and peace for you and your family! I pray you will not be down and discouraged, but will be able to enjoy this time with your family so much! ❤️
Praying, Arlene!!
Mary was a faithful willing servant. God please help me to be the same. Strengthen my faith.
God is nearer to us than we think. That our hearts are a tabernacle for Jesus makes me think about my heart posture. I pray to always remember this.
Thank you all for your prayers yesterday. The entire staff at our vets came in and said goodbye to Stella. She was such a special little dog. They all had tears. I will miss her dearly.
I know that touched your heart, Tracie. Big hugs from afar! <3
Oh Traci my heart was breaking for you yesterday. It is so hard to lose your pets. I’m glad that you were able to have time with her and share her with the vet employees. They do get close to our babies too. Love and peace through this season❤️
Sending you a tight “hug” sweet Traci.
Thinking of you ❤️
YES, GOD is with us every moment of every day in the big things and ordinary things. LOVE this, Bailey. AND while we are cooking (I sometimes pray that my meal will turn out right and good), while we clean (even when I’m grumbling as I dislike GREATLY to clean), while we work (praying for the children as they learn and work out their differences and even the difficult ones), the people around us (love my TK team). God is good! Even when its hard, sad, difficult, don’t know the answers, the unknowns, GOD remains good! I trust HIM! I may not be like sweet YOUNG Mary, but I trust my JESUS! THANK you Father God for sending HIM to us! Emanuel! I still am taken by ALL your generosity! Over and over I’ve seen and experienced God’s faithfulness. NOT once have I ever felt abandoned, even in the unknowns and the VERY scary times, that’s when I felt HIM the most as I cried out to HIM! YES, God is good!
Once again, all of your comments have touched me. Praying for your hurt TINA, praying for any of your sick children this morning, praying for your 1st Christmas after losing a loved one, praying for those who have lost homes, and those struggling this year and it has been hard. May you feel the nearness of God in a special way!
God with us! Immanuel! Wow, how can we wrap our minds around that! But God so loved – He gave! He gave His very best for us! And we are His tabernacle! I am challenged to do better and be better! Yet, I know I could never do enough or be enough to repay Him. May we rest in His presence today and truly realize how much He loves us!
Have a blessed day! The God of the Universe walks with you today!
Merry Christmas everyone! Prayers for everyone to have a blessed Christmas remembering the miracle of God with us. God is so very good! ❤️
What strikes me about the genealogy passage is that there are many guys in there that I know nothing about, they didn’t do anything important enough to be mentioned except that they are in the line. Sometimes I feel that I don’t do anything important enough to be mentioned. My first child was born out of wedlock, and I wonder sometimes what the purpose of that was. Is there someone in the line that would only be born because of my child? Will my and her name be listed in the lineage some day of someone great who wouldn’t have been born otherwise? Some of us are simply a link in the line. And you know what?, that’s enough. Without that link, there would be no lineage. Our link is allowing all the links to be joined together, forming a line that is so very important. As in the lineage of Jesus, there may be several generations of what seems to be nothing, but then one day there is someone so important…. and we got to be a part of that because we are one of the links. Jesus has placed each one of us in a line for His purpose. We are not a mistake. None of our kids are mistakes. We are all part of a line where every single link is holding it together. He has a purpose for each one of us. You are important to God. You are important to the lineage of God’s purpose. Be blessed this Christmas as you ponder your significance in God’s line of purpose.
Such a great thought!! Amen!
LOVE, this Kris! We, no one, is a mistake.
I have a couple of grandbabies who were born out of wedlock, one to my 16 year old daughter.
I believed firmly before my teenaged daughter became pregnant that every life is ordained by God. After she came along, my belief in that increased. That baby born to my scared daughter is now 14 and a high school freshman. She is in all AP classes, a natural born leader who is already planning to become an RN. She told me the other night when she was at church with me that she wants to be baptized. She’s always had a heart for the Lord. My other two were also oration God. He is the Gover of Life. He has a plan for them just like the grandchildren who were born in wedlock. I love them all and praise God for allowing me to be their grandmother.
Merry Christmas!
Love this!
Beautifully said Kris.♥️
I love this reminder of God’s nearness! Throughout this year, I have felt more distant from Him despite doing my daily readings, praying, and regularly attending church. It seems to be a common thing amongst my friends as well (We’re all 25-29 y/o). I will keep trusting and praising through it all! God is good!
Ah, well you are way ahead of the curve!! The devil certainly is crafty and slick…the world is so inviting! Good for you for staying in the word, trusting, and growing. Most times it is not obvious our growth and what God is doing, other times I would bet Christians ARE in fact drifting away from God! But not those they stay close! Maybe step out in a serving ministry, I found that was a action step I needed!
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What a great encouragement today. God is always near.
Last year I picked my year word, a new practice I had started the year before. It was “presence” because I longed to feel his presence in me, to recognize him, to push my walk with him to a new threshold. The mentors I was around in my new church seemed to exude with his Holy Spirit presence in them- how they prayed, how they taught, how they recognized things around them as opportunities and needs! I wanted that seemingly elusive, beautiful closeness they shared with Jesus! It wasn’t envy in a jealous way, it was just like studying Mary and Joseph, an awe that was so striking, that it made me longed to be a vessel as well.
I don’t have to go to seminary, or attend discipleship classes at church, or even complete my checklist. All I have to do is make myself available and open. Perhaps change my lens of perspective quickly and often, remembering “the Jesus Way.” It does take an earnestness and practice…but I(he) truly made my WORD turn into a “way.” He is with me/us, and I heard the lyrics of a song that I looked up that is perfect- “God Is With Us” by The Afters. There always….on the day of acceptance- salvation. It is us that have to recognize and know that we know that we know. It is sanctification. We grow in him, and him in us by the practices of being in the word daily, prayer and meditation, fellowship and growth with She’s, fasting, and developing our spiritual muscles daily. They have to be used and strengthened or they weaken.
I am wishing you all a beautiful Christmas with Jesus this year, His presence palpable! No matter what is happening around you! (Two years ago, my husband and I were not even talking the span of Christmas! And I don’t remember being much better last year! Also we have had no family the last few years to visit or us go to them. But again…perspective- I have My Jesus (as Mari V says)…and with Him I have all I need through the ups and downs, and paths of life! So I hope you will know with Jesus, you are okay. Christmas is just a day WE celebrate and have made into an Ideal of something impossible—lets get back to it being God with Us, Emmanuel.
Oh sweet Rhonda! LOVE this! He is with us NO MATTER what is happening around us! AND YES in agreement with you, “we have all we need through the ups and downs” (and there are many, and more to come). “BUT GOD” as our sweet Tina always says. YES we have OUR JESUS! Emmanuel! SWEET Rhonda, thank you again and again for all you’ve done for me even though we have never met! I consider you a VERY close friend/sister “across-the-pond” Merry Christmas sweet lady!
Merry Christmas, Rhonda! (heart)
Love this so much Rhonda. Merry Christmas! I can’t wait to hear what your word for 2025 is :) ❤️
Merry Christmas dear beautiful Rhonda!
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Thinking about redeeming grace this morning, and I was in awe going back to the very beginning when Adam and Eve, after taking the fruit, hide themselves from God as He drew near to them in the Garden. Fast forward to the story of Mary and Joseph, and God draws near again by coming as close to humans as He possible can—being born of a virgin and living a life as a man here on Earth.
I am currently expecting my husband and I’s first child, a baby girl. We are 8 months along so far, and my mind has often thought about how Mary must have been feeling any time she felt Jesus move, kick, or do a little dance, knowing that she was feeling the son of God.
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Pregnancy for the first time is such a special and unique time!! It’s a thrilling hope!! Dreaming of what is to come–what she will be like, and look like!! So many anticipations, nesting, and preparations! And all the firsts!! Praying for you and your little girl for this special time!
AW……this is SO sweet Abby.
Wishing you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!️
Psalm 16:8-9a
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS dear Shes!
Keeping you close in my heart as an extended family, remembering your prayer needs, as I celebrate with my local family.
AW….. keeping you close as well sweet Cee Gee! Merry Christmas!
Love ya, sister! (heart)
Merrry Christmas to you and your family!
Amen
Merry Christmas ladies! Mary modelled such obedience. I have never thought of how this event derailed her plans and dreams for her I’ve with Joseph. She must’ve been ostracized, gossiped about, judged and scorned for being pregnant out of wedlock. Perhaps she was even in fear of her life because women were stoned for adultery in those days. But Mary accepted God’s will with an open, humble heart. Since our “Make Room” study I have been trying to make more room for those around me, especially my neighbors. We hosted a tree trimming party this weekend with our kids and close friends and I was prompted to invite our neighbor who is a widow. The “day of” I was regretting the decision only because it felt like “work” to me. I’m not proud to say that I almost cancelled. Anyway, when she arrived, the first words our of her mouth were, “Thank you for inviting me, I feel so loved!” We wound up having such a nice time. And it was such a confirmation to me to be intentional about making room for others. I pray God would make my heart more like Mary’s. That when he asks me to do something, my heart posture is one of humility and obedience.
That is such a beautiful and inspiring example, Tami! ❤
Aw…..Tami…I’m crying…this was SO sweet! AND for your neighbor to say she felt loved! Merry Christmas Tami!
And we arrive at the Christmas. And can I share that, while I love the story of Mary, it is Joseph’s role that reminds of how love comes near. He is often overshadowed, but I always get the sense of a quiet faith in him, and his obedience shows a deep trust in God’s plan. The man was facing uncertainty and potential stigma when he chose to protect and nurture Mary and Jesus. While often seen as a side note on this story, it is through his lineage to David, that the prophecy of the Messiah is fulfilled. To me, his actions show that love is not merely spoken but demonstrated through humility, sacrifice, and steadfast care. On Christmas Eve, as we reflect on Christ’s birth, Joseph’s story reminds us that love draws near when we trust God and step into His calling with faith, even in the face of uncertainty.
Amen!❤️
Amen! So true Maria!
Well said, Maria! ❤
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Amen & Amen, my She sister, on this holy Christmas Eve.
What a wonderful reminder of Jesus’ with-ness in my life. This year has been a hard and challenging growing year that is not over yet, But God has been with me every step of the way. What comfort to know I’m not alone because He is with me and my fellow She’s continue to support and pray for me. I made a doctor’s appointment in the early morning hours after another night of disturbed sleep for this morning. I hope they can give me something to break this current pattern.
Praying, Danielle. Lifting you to Jesus now!♥️
I saw a sleep therapist that taught me how to reset. I had to fill out a sleep diary/log. We found out I was in bed for 8 hours and only sleeping 4. She then made me stay up until 2am and I had to wake at 7am. We moved sleep time back by 15 minute intervals. I couldn’t do anything work related, laundry, emails, etc. I had to read or watch a movie. But no dozing. It resets a chemical and then your body thinks it has slept. If you wake in the night you are supposed to get up. It’s hard, but it was worth it. I now go to bed anytime between 11:15-12:00. I wake at 6:45. It has made a huge difference.
Praying Danielle. So sorry to hear this. I have a lot of wakeful moments myself.
Praying through the pain and anger, your son draws near and see Jesus this Christmas season! May his eyes be opened to see Jesus in you. Merry Christmas!
Kids woke up with the stomach bug today. Needed to read these words amidst disappointment in missing all the fun things today and tomorrow. He is near in the ordinary❤️
Oh Erika, I am so sorry. There have been several Christmas’s that has happened here as well. It is disappointing, but may you still find joy! Praying everyone gets better quickly and wholly!
I am so sorry Erika. I hope you at least get some quiet time to bask in the message of the Christmas story and, as you mentioned, find Him in the ordinary. Much love.
Oh….so sorry Erika!! Praying for quick recovery.
How good to know that He is near! ❤️
God planned all along to give us a Saviour and you can see it through the genealogy BUT he didn’t have to show us the face of God, didn’t have to show us what God was like, didn’t have to desire a relationship with us. I’m struck by how our God doesn’t do the minimum He is always so much more!
I never thought about the fact that Mary had her life all planned out to be married to Joseph and then the angel comes and tells her that things will be completely different. Wow – what a plot twist! The fact that Mary was so accepting of this shift and change really does demonstrate a humble and servant’s heart. What an example to follow!
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Thank You Jesus. Please let me feel how close you are to me, to us, to all. Merry Christmas Eve everyone!
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Totally not a “Christmasy” thing but I just love thinking about the fact that Rahab was
Ruth’s mother-in-law. Talk about a spiritual mentor to guide her in being grafted into the faith! God is so kind in the way He orchestrates people and circumstances so perfectly. And He still does it for us today. ❤️
I also love that God included women, especially women who didn’t have perfect lives. He is so loving to all!
THAT very same thought came to mind as well Katie!! God is SO good! He can and will use anyone one us who is willing no matter our background!
“He draws near simply to spend time with us—while we cook, while we clean, while we work, study, and love the people around us.”
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Good morning sweet she’s! …It never ceases to amaze me that Jesus draws near, simply to spend time with us – time with me! What an honor it is to be in the presence of King of Kings, Immanuel!!
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So much to praise God for this morning…
That Jesus came to save us from our sin.
That Jesus wants to have a relationship with us.
That Jesus wants us to be in His presence.
That Jesus is with us every day – in the big and in the ordinary.
That Jesus desires to bless us.
Praise God and thank you Jesus!
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@Mari V. – sharing in your praise! It most assuredly blesses us when we bless others! God is so good and gracious to all of us, and with the apostle John we can all agree – “From the fullness of grace we all have received one blessing after another!! Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!❤️
@Traci G. – continued prayers for you as you mourn the loss of your sweet furry buddy, Stella. ❤️
@Karen Valente – Hi fellow New Jerseyian! I’m in Ramsey – way north, not far from the NY border.
@all my dear SRT sisters – Merry Christmas to you all!!
@Rhonda J – Thank you for always thinking of ways to unite us to one another!
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Prayers for you all, especially those who are alone or struggling with things during this time – and to all of you who are caregivers, those battling illnesses, those with prodigals and those who have lost love ones this past year. May you feel the closeness of the One who is always with us. Hugs and prayers. ❤️
I feel your last paragraph deeply. I journeyed through 3.5 years with my Mom and her dementia. Last Christmas I went away to spend it with my first grand baby (long story short) and watched my Mom pass away via FaceTime on Christmas Eve. Why while I was gone, God? I was dreading today. We went away this year so no family, decorations, and nothing to bake with where we’re staying lol. I felt so all alone, but this study and all of you and your words have helped me get to today. I’m ok. God is near me. God Bless you all and Merry Christmas. ❤️
Hugs Therese.
Beautifully expressed…Immanuel… He IS with you! ♥️
Therese, may God give you peace and comfort this Christmas season. I’m so sorry about your mom. ❤️
Thinking of you Therese. I know how hard loss is always, but this time of year a bit more so.
AW….sweet Sharon…thank you…I am SO blessed by YOU! So glad I was introduced to this beautiful community of She’s! My heart is still overflowing!
I love this, we need not cry out loud , He is closer than we think! How I need this today!
Merry Christmas, everyone ❤️ God is with us!!
“Indeed, we have all received graceah upon grace from his fullness”
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Lord, may Your grace upon grace upon grace upon grace abundantly flow toward us, towards me on this day that we may extended grace to those around us.
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Praying peace to fill your hearts today, Shes. Immanuel is closer than your next breath. ❤️
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Happy Christmas
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MERRY Christmas Kelly!! So glad we are all here together!
Thank you, kind Kelly, for the powerful prayer on this holy Christmas Eve.
I tell you what, simply ordinary words can break hearts!
My older son has fallen out with his partner and is staying here with me , and it seems there will be no reconciliation this side of Christmas!
We were all going to be spending Christmas together, but now, it seems I am cooking the meal for my son, his older son and myself.. I don’t mind that, what’s another 3 after cooking Christmas for over 300 people!!!
My son found me in the kitchen earlier, and asked..
Why are you bothering? There’s not much to celebrate really, is there?”
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His thinking is he’s not with his family, the ones he’s estranged from, but hold on, my thoughts went straight to..
What about your older son and I? Are we not worth spending Christmas with?
My heart was so very sad. I downed tools, made a cup of tea and sat down to do the study..
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Emmanuel, God is with us.
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What heart warming words.
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What salve to a saddened heart.
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What peace-filled words.
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What life changing, mind altering, heart shifting words..
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Emmanuel, God is with us.
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BUT GOD..
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So so very thankful for these words in this moment..
I know my son speaks out of sadness, but his words felt personal. A dig.
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Thankful, for the mustard seed of faith I have, and the belief I have that God is with me in ALL things and situations.. heart warming or heartbreaking.
He is near, and that is enough to pick myself up, dust myself down, and carry on preparing to celebrate the greatest gift that ever was given.. whose very presence sings God is with us.. and whose great love surpasses ALL understanding!
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Emmanuel, God is with us.
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AMEN.
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Happy Christmas eve, my dears..wrapped in love and hugs and covered in prayers for peace to reign as you go about your day..❤️
Much, much love to you all..
May your son feel the love of Jesus through you, Tina, and know why there is reason to celebrate
Tina I am so sorry to hear of your sons falling out with his partner. Satan is never slack in seeking to get our attention off of our Savior…I know it must hurt your heat deeply to see your son in pain. ..But how blessed he is to have you for a mom. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. ❤️
Oh Tina. I’m so sorry. Adult “children” are a tough group! I have four :)
I know what he meant but I also know how you felt. He is blessed to have you during his heartache even though he can’t see that in the moment. I pray that Immanuel -God with us covers your home and holidays.
Blessings on you Tina as you are a blessing to SO MANY!
Tina, I can relate to your story in a way as I felt a “dig” from my husband this past weekend while we were preparing to host his family for Christmas. It was more of a dig actually, and I just lost it. I did not respond like you and go to this study or scripture or anything, I just left. I had to flee the situation. It was bad. Sometimes I wish I could be better and lean on God more and truly live out what I know is true. I should have pushed through my hurt and relied on God and handled the situation better. But I didn’t. So now I am apologizing and reconciling with my husband and trying to move on, but I am having a hard time because I don’t like to disappoint people. Anyway, sorry to go on about myself. I just know how your heart must have felt and I am so sorry. I hope you feel loved this Christmas. We certainly love you here!
I had a small argument with my husband just this morning. He tends to lean towards defensiveness when I tend to want to talk things through. But this morning that defensiveness threw me over the edge. I lost it. I’m not proud of it. It was about his grown children. It seems adult children are a samll theme here.
Sending a hug and prayer of hope your way! God is near – what goodness in those words.
Praying for you and your son, Tina, as I am in a similar situation. Trying to keep my focus on Emanuel!
Tina, nay the (golden) JOY in your heart pour over into your son’s heart as a reminder this Christmas. Praying for your injured heart. Love and hugs! ❤
SWEET, sweet Tina!! I love you! I’m sending you a hug-across-the-pond this VERY moment!
Great response, Tina…and so wise. Love you ❤️
Love this reminder – “And, today, our hearts also serve as this tabernacle.” [of God’s actual presence.]
Father, make your spiritual presence clearly felt in my daily life and activities – so that I know how best to glorify You and let others see You in me.
Amen.
Amen, Sally! A beautiful and true prayer for myself as well. Merry Christmas Eve!
I’m again struck by the faith of Mary and Joseph. Have you ever had a dream and woke up thinking, wow, that seemed real, and knowing without a doubt that it was only a dream?
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Waking up and remembering these words “you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” ?! Joseph’s faith allowed him to grasp and understand that it was a dream and yet 100% real, and his continued faith got him through was must have been difficult – he and Mary knew they were guided by the Lord, but the world around them … not so much.
Lord, may I/we be faithful.
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MERCY – praying for efficiency in whittling down your mountain of work
ABBY HOPE LANCASTER – love the observation on timing of Zechariah’s voice restoration
SAM D – ❤️ your testimony
DANIELLE B – praying for good, restful sleep
VICKI M – ❤️ your testimony
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Sisters, wishing each of you a blessed Christmas. Love you all.
Amen!…Merry Christmas Searching! ❤️
Good point, Searching. I never thought about the fact that because it was a dream (and not an angelic visitation) Joseph could have dismissed it as just that-a dream. Glad he believed it as truth!
Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas yourself, Searching! Love and hugs! ❤
Searching thank you for always remembering me in prayer. It touches my heart deeply. The other day I prayed God would bless you for being a blessing to me.
MERRY Christmas Searching!! Can’t wait to meet you someday!
Thank you SEARCHING. I was sitting here trying to read the word, and so overwhelmed. Christmas is such a hard time for me personally, trying hard to fight the Martha mindset and embrace the Mary way, despite piles of office work, household chores. Thank you for thinking of me and for your prayers.
Amen, he is with me in the everyday, whilst we cook, whilst we clean, whilst we relax with the people around us.
♥️
With us…..how it comforts me