He Hasn't Left You

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 by Jenny Bender

What's in a name? So goes the famous line from Shakespeare's legendary play, "Romeo & Juliet." But...what IS in a name, anyway? Jesus' birth was foretold in Isaiah 7:14, saying that Mary (the virgin) would conceive & bear a child, and His name would be Emmanuel, which means God with us. Think about the power behind that simple statement: God is with us! It’s literally in His name.  

 

As the Christmas season gets underway, the name Emmanuel resonates deeply with us. This wasn’t just a promise for those living during Jesus' earthly ministry; it’s a truth that echoes through our lives today. Whether we’re celebrating joyous moments or grappling with life’s challenges, we can find comfort knowing that God is always by our side. 

  

Think about those times when you’ve felt alone. Maybe it was during a tough season of life—a job loss, a broken relationship, or the loss of a loved one. In those moments, it can feel like God is distant. But it’s often in our deepest struggles that His presence shines the brightest. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." The promise of Jesus’ presence wasn’t a life without pain, but He doespromise to be there with us, offering peace and strength in ways we can’t understand. 

  

This year has been so tough for so many – on top of navigating struggles with health, finances, relationships and more, we experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Yet even in those unimaginably hard times, we were never left alone. Just like the shepherds and wise men who came to see the newborn King, we, too, are invited to experience the wonder of Emmanuel in our lives. 

Embrace the gift of His presence. He is with you! We don’t deserve it, and we certainly can’t earn it. But through Jesus, God has chosen to be with us, to walk with us in every season of life. My hope for all of us isthat no matter where we find ourselves—whether in joy, sorrow, or uncertainty—we never forget that God is with us. And that’s the true essence of Christmas, and a promise that we can take comfort in all year long!  


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