God With Us

Is the Bible a collection of stories? A record of events that took place long ago? Just myths and legends?

Some have this attitude, not only about the Bible, but God Himself. For them, He is like a character from a novel. Someone we read about but who doesn’t really matter. This can be true even during the Christmas season. Do they really believe the stories they sing about?

Our lives change when we realize that God is very real. When we become conscious of His presence in the midst of our lives. This, in fact, is central to the story of Jesus’ birth.

Centuries earlier, Isaiah had prophesied, “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In his Gospel, Matthew reminded us that Immanuel means “God with us” (v. 23). His birth demonstrated His continuing presence.

The Bible presents the picture of a dynamic life of faith, in which we know that God is with us constantly. That He can speak to us in many ways, both natural and miraculous, through the ordinary and extraordinary. And through His Word.

We see this presence throughout the story of Jesus’ birth. Here God used angels to intervene in the lives of Zechariah, shepherds, and Mary. God spoke through dreams, visions, and His Spirit. Those who were sensitive could hear His voice through His Word.

Through these examples, He was showing us that He never abandons us and is with us in every circumstance. We hear Him when we study His Word. We also need to be sensitive to Him throughout the day, for He may speak, at any time and in many ways.

Remember that Jesus was born to remind us that God is with us. He is with you, today and every day.