Over 2000 years ago, some people were getting ready for what would be the first Christmas. Mary was riding on a donkey, Joseph was looking for a place to stay. Could they have known what our preparations would involve this many years later? Shopping, decorating, cooking, planning, going, doing.
There are some who would argue that we forget what Christmas means, that we get so caught up in the doing of Christmas that we forget the meaning of Christmas. They have a valid point, and I am sure there are millions of people out there for whom this is an accurate assessment. We are some of those people who shop, decorate, cook, plan, go and do. But we make sure that we remember why.
Emmanuel means God with us. Isn't that what that first Christmas was all about? Emmanuel.... through the birth of Jesus, God is with us. In all that we do, wherever we are, God is with us. Emmanuel. In all of the hustle and bustle and chaos of the Christmas season, He is with us. It's important for us to make sure that our boys understand this. To know that all of the decorating and celebrating and present giving and getting, we are doing it because of Jesus.
4 comments:
Are you talking with my pastor {J}?! LOL. Our sermon on Sunday was about Emmanuel - it's meaning, how it pertains to us and the Christmas season.
Great blog. Great point!
How funny! It's really been on my mind lately, ever since I heard Sugarland's version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." It was one of those things that you know you've heard countless times, but the meaning just finally sinks in. Then when it does, you just keep thinking about it and wondering how you ever missed it.
LOL - the similarities do NOT end! My pastor said it was the Christmas song that 'hit' him this year to. I am not sure who's version, but he said it has become his favorite Christmas song. The words brought new meaning for him this year, and inspired a sermon. The band sang the song twice on Sunday. It is definitely a beautiful Christmas song - one of the more poignant ones!
Wow! That's a little strange! I wonder how many other people are really *hearing* that song for the first time!
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