The Joy of the Journey: Emmanuel God with us! Part 1

My wife and I were having a discussion the other day about how quickly it seems that this year has gone by. The same number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds as any other year, but for some reason, it seems this year has gone by so quickly. A lot has happened this past year, and people have walked through many trials and tragedies, victories and failures. However, as we look to the end of this year and this Christmas season, if we’re not careful, it’s easy for us to feel alone. We can sometimes feel insignificant in this big world. In times like these, the figure of Jesus Christ emerges as a beacon of hope, reminding us that we are never truly alone. That brings me to the topic I would like to share with you: Emmanuel.

Jesus, in the Bible, is shown to be a compassionate and loving individual. He not only preached about love and compassion but also lived it by his actions. He reached out to the outsiders of society, offering them acceptance and forgiveness. This convey a powerful message – that no matter our circumstances, we are never alone. The Word of God declares in (Luke 19:9-10) “then Jesus said to him, “today salvation has come to this household, because he, too, is a son of Abraham! For the son of man came to seek, and to save the lost. “Jesus was referring to a man named Zacchaeus, who was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not welcome as a part of Jewish society, because they were employed by the Romans. Tax collectors were outcast and often exiled by their families at times. Jesus declares I came so that you don’t have to be alone anymore. Jesus says the same to us, that today is our day of salvation, and because of Him we are the sons and daughters of God. (1 John 3:1)

One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ life was His ministry on earth. He interacted with people from all walks of life, crossing social boundaries and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Jesus showed a genuine interest in others; lives, taking the time to listen, understand, and comfort those who needed it most.

More than any other thing, Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of faith as a cure to loneliness. He encouraged His followers to seek a deep and personal relationship with God. Jesus promised that wherever two or three gather in His name, He would be there with them. (Matthew 18:20)

This promise assures us that no matter the circumstances, Jesus is always by our side.

In addition to His physical presence during his time on earth, Jesus continues to be with us through the teachings and lessons found in the Bible. The scriptures serve as a source of guidance and inspiration, providing us with a roadmap for walking through life’s challenges. Through His words, Jesus assures us that even in our darkest moments, we can find peace and strength in His love.

In conclusion, Jesus’ life and teachings remind us that we are never truly alone. He is a constant companion who understands our struggles, challenges, and pain. By living a life of love and compassion, Jesus demonstrated that we can find comfort and strength through our relationship with Him. Moreover, He assures us that He is always with us, offering His presence, guidance, and love. In times of loneliness and despair, we can take comfort in the eternal truth that we are never truly alone, for Jesus is ever-present with us.

In my part two of this article, I will explore what it truly means when Jesus is called Emmanuel, God with us!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor P.