God Came Near
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
The words, “God Came Near” strikes like a chord that is wonderful and beautiful, yet seemingly impossible. How is it that this God who is so mighty would come near enough for me to see Him; to hear Him; and yes, to know Him personally? He left all of heaven’s glory to come close that I might know Him. He came near that I might be forgiven and set free to really live for His glory. It’s a gift I can’t seem to get over this year, and I pray that I never do.
I have spent a year studying, pondering and receiving the truth of the attributes of God. I have spoken the words countless times, “Until we truly know who God is, we will never know who we are.” I am coming to know the powerful truth of these words. Knowing who God is brings a new perspective to living this life.
It is this God who is Faithful, Wise, Loving, Just, Merciful, Gracious, Infinite, Immanent, Omnipotent, Omniscient and the list goes on and on. This is the God who came near. Not only did He come near as a baby, but also He continues to come near daily.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Here we are strangers, aliens in a foreign land called earth, waiting for our eternal destination of Heaven. One day we will leave this land that is full of evil, sickness, pain and death and we will step into the literal presence of God.
God made preparations for this long before we were ever born. He left Heaven and came to this foreign land. He entered this messy dirty land as a baby and became the greatest gift of all. God didn’t give us a gift; He became the gift.
He continues to come near. He is His name, Immanuel. He is with us.
He is not far away in a remote place, but very near. Pause and enjoy the gift. Don’t miss this very present and personal gift in the middle of the busy. Very soon the decorations, tinsel and bows will be packed away, but He…He remains near forever.
I pray that all of you experience this up-close, personal Immanuel…God with You!
Merry Christmas