“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” (Mt 1:23 – NIV)
As I’ve read through the story of our Saviour’s birth many times over the last weeks, the message of Immanuel has been speaking into my life. It’s the season when we celebrate the creator the universe entering the human race as baby. It seems to be a peculiar way for God to reveal His presence to humanity. Yet this was the sign that God Himself revealed through the prophet Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Is. 7:14).
As I’ve reflected back on the experiences of 2010 I’ve been opening my mind to the ways God has been with us – Immanuel – as a church family. Thoughts about some of the things we’ve faced over the last 12 months in terms of losing some people we’ve loved from our weekly fellowship/service times and our struggles financially have caused me to wonder about how God has been present in these situations. Jesus told us that he would He would always be with us (Mt. 28:20; Jn. 14:18-23), revealing that God has not been absent in these circumstances. It has caused me to recognize how often I can base my understanding of God’s presence on positive outcomes.
Perhaps you’ve experienced some moments in your life over the past year that has left you wondering about how God has been with you. I can assure you that He has been with you no matter if the road you’ve had to travel has been bumpy or smooth. Perhaps you’ve felt like you’ve been kicked in the stomach rather than comforted by God’s presence. Will you reflect on those times where you felt God seemed absent and recognize his presence through things like: the encouragement of a friend; a prayer offered on your behalf; a timely note that gave you hope; a gentle embrace when you needed it; someone letting you cry on their shoulder; when provision was made during a time of financial strain… I urge you to take some time in the next days to notice that He’s been around in ways that you may not have recognized in the blur of the moment.
Of course there are times when there is little doubt that God has been present. I think of the times when I have had the privilege to hear someone share their story of God’s work in their lives. Baptism Sunday was a highlight when we heard 5 individual stories that revealed God’s presence long before the participants even believed in Him. God is with us. I am encouraged when a person recognizes the Holy Spirit’s convicting work in their lives, causing them to repent, confess and be forgiven to live in freedom. This has happened in many conversations and in public settings and reveals that God is with us.
I encourage you all to take some space in these next days to reflect on how God has been with you over the past year. Praise Him for the way Immanuel has been experienced in your life. May it encourage you as you move forward into the New Year.
May you God’s presence and peace be with us all,
Pastor Bruce.
Bruce Archer
Bernd Heyde
