Immanuel

I have always loved Christmas with my whole heart. I grew up in a home that cherished simple traditions centered around the birth of Jesus. We did not have a lot of gifts, but we had special traditions and this incredible peace in our home during a typically chaotic time of year. As I started to spend Christmas in my own home and with my own children, I have tried to establish this same environment. There have been extremely difficult years where I have struggled to feel “merry and bright,” but I have never been without God’s peace, and I am so thankful.

There are so many names used for God throughout the bible, but Immanuel, “God with us,” is the one that means the most to me. On Christmas, and all year long, I am so thankful that God is with me. I’m so thankful that on the Christmases when I have felt alone, discouraged, and deeply disappointed, God has been with me, and I can rest in knowing that he will continue to be in the hills and valleys of life that are to come.

God,

Thank you for loving us extravagantly and sending your son so you can be with us. Thank you for carrying us through Christmases that are challenging, and circumstances that seem overwhelming. Your peace that passes all understanding is the greatest gift we could ever receive and may we cling to it all year long.

Happy birthday Jesus. I am so incredibly glad you were born.