Advent Meditation - December 22nd

                                       Thanks to Susie for the pictures 


Emmanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.
~ Isaiah 7: 4 (full reading 10-16)

            There is something about the birth of a baby that brings everything else to a halt. Perhaps it’s the miracle of it all. Perhaps it’s the recognition of a new human being arriving here with us. There is the promise of hope and joy swaddled around this new one. The tiny fingers will one day hold onto wonder and possibility. The tiny toes will no doubt step out and travel to places we can only imagine. There is something about the birth of a newborn that whispers an angel’s “alleluia.” It is in this birthing moment that we are reminded of God’s continual YES for God’s children.

            These age-old words from Isaiah carry us to a manger in Bethlehem. Throughout this Advent season we have been praying for the One who is to come. For we have been blind and pray to see. We have grown deaf and long to hear the singing of a familiar carol being sung. We have been so very lost, and long for the One who will lead us on.

            Emmanuel. This name is above all names. This name we have had on our lips since our first breath. Emmanuel ~ God with us. The One who is coming, whose name is our saving grace. What’s in a name? In this name well, everything.


Breath prayer: “God”  “with us”

Prayer: Emmanuel who was, is and will be we give you thanks this day. You are always with us, Alleluia! Amen.

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