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Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23 ESV

I love this time of year.

Next week I begin one of my favorite times of year at the preschool. The chapel has been transformed into Bethlehem, and the children will join me each day as we travel through the story of Jesus’ birth. New characters are introduced to them each day as the story unfolds and culminates with a full live nativity for them. I love seeing the joy on their little faces as they meet Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds and kings. There may even be a few squeals of excitement as they get to pet a live lamb and donkey on the last day of our journey.

I started off this week introducing them to the new scenery and explaining to them how we are “waiting and getting ready for Jesus to be born.” We have sign language that corresponds with that phrase and we began to light our advent wreath, talking about the different candles and the meaning behind them. After a few rounds of repeating the phrase and signing, one little guy decided to pipe up.

“Jesus is already born, Mrs. Reed. We can’t wait for him to be born again.” he stated to me.

“I know, sweetheart. We are just celebrating his birthday and we’re excited about it even though it is not quite here yet.” I replied.

“Well, he’s not going to be born again, so why do you keep saying that?” he asked me with a slight tone of aggravation.

“It’s just a way for us to remember Jesus at Christmas. We should be waiting and getting ready to celebrate him,” I stated politely.

“He’s with us all the time, not just at Christmas, so I think it’s silly.” He stated matter-of-factly.

“Jesus is with us all the time. You are absolutely right. But, we’re still going to say it this way just for our Advent Adventure time. Would that be okay with you?” I questioned him back.

“Sure. I guess so. As long as you know, He’s already here.”

I went home that afternoon and thought about this little guy and his conviction. Children at this age are such literal thinkers. Everything is black and white. No cloudy or muddled hues of gray to sneak in there and change opinions or feelings. They just stick to the facts and make a determination.

He’s right, though. Jesus has already been born. Jesus IS with us all the time.

His name is Immanuel, God with us.

Scripture tells us that in black and white. No grays to cloud that fact.

So, at this time of year when we’re feeling a little lonely, a little sad, a little like our lives will never be the same, let’s remember…

Immanuel

Hanging the lights by ourselves….Immanuel.

Picking out and putting up the tree…Immanuel.

Hanging that special ornament…Immanuel.

Going to Christmas parties and dinners alone…Immanuel.

As we shop for the kids/grandkids wondering if it’s “right or enough”…Immanuel.

Baking that favorite cookie of Daddy’s…Immanuel.

Holding our candles on Christmas Eve singing Silent Night with tears streaming down our faces…Immanuel.

When the kids/grandkids wake us early Christmas morning…Immanuel.

Visiting the gravesite Christmas morning to say “Hi, Honey.”…Immanuel.

When the calendar changes to a new year…Immanuel.

God IS with us.

He understands as He hurts with us, catching our tears. Holding our hands, He repairs our broken hearts because He is Immanuel. May your season of Advent be filled with the hope, love, joy and peace that He came to give us all…regardless of our feelings or pain…Immanuel.

God with us.