God With Us

Last weekend at my church (Church at Charlotte) we had our annual Christmas "Stories" production. To me it seemed grander and excelled even past experiences. As I soaked it in I asked God to impress on me a thought regarding the birth of His Son. Unexpectedly I saw the tiny little hand and delicate fingers of the 3 week old baby in "Mary's" arms rise up as if grasping for heaven itself. I was struck in a much greater way just how frail and dependent Jesus allowed Himself to be on my behalf and that of all mankind. His willingness to humble Himself by coming to earth would change the course of countless stories through the ages.

Last year I pondered Mary's story and what it must have felt like to walk in her shoes or ride her donkey as it were. Surely if I had been writing her story I would have spruced up her circumstances and made life a little easier on her. After all she was the mother of the Son of God and this was a very important occasion. I had to wonder if she experienced some doubt as things unfolded in less than perfect ways. As my story has unfolded at times I have found it very hard to imagine that things were going according to God's plan. However, its true to say that even when I have not been able to understand my circumstances He has been with me the entire time and made His total peace available to me.

Just Perfect

She rode on a donkey
About to give birth
For the Son of God
Was coming to earth

No place to stay?
How can that be?
God are You there?
Did you forget me?

Accompanied by animals
She gave birth to a son
In a manger she laid him
Could this be the One?

But make no mistake
All was going to plan
This humble beginning
For the Son of Man

In a field close by
Shepherds cower in fright
God’s glory blazed down
Like no other night

A great and joyful event
For all people worldwide
A chance to receive
A peace you can’t hide

Circumstances not perfect?
Why all the fuss?
Immanuel is here
God with us

12-5-08

Matthew 1:23
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”