Emmanuel Indeed!

... and they will call Him "Emmanuel" which mean "God with us."
~ Matthew 1:23

I can't get this short verse out of my mind. Emmanuel. God with us. That's the way God meant for it to be. He's always desired to be 'with us.' The problem has always been on our end. We haven't wanted a God who would be right here. We've been too afraid. Or embarrassed. Or ashamed.

From the time He walked with Adam in the garden, to the day he invited the people of Israel to meet with Him on Mt. Sinai, you can see it. As He called to humankind through His prophets, you can sense it. His heart's desire to be with us.
In Jesus Christ, He is.

He's not God near us. Or God above us. Or even God watching over us. He is "God with us!"

Wherever you may find yourself this Christmas season, may that single thought bring you comfort and joy.