Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.
God Is With Us, Emmanuel
Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
“Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken.
For this day paradise is unlocked, the curse taken away, sin is removed, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused and spread on every side–a heavenly way of life has been implanted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and we now hold speech with angels.
Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He has come on earth, while being fully in heaven; and while complete in heaven, he is without diminution on earth.
Though he was God, he became man, not denying himself to be God. Though being the unchanging Word, he became flesh that he might dwell among us.
To Him, then, who out of confusion has wrought a clear path; to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Spirit, we offer all praise, now and forever. Amen.”
~St. John Chrysostom 347-407
God is with us! Look for him in the joy and in the shadows. Take the hand of Jesus and let him lead you on a different road than the world around you travels. He is your Christmas, your every day gift.
Photograph courtesy of Kulla Kyrka, Enköping, Sweden
4 replies on “Eleventh Gift Of Advent: God Is With Us”
It was not coincidence that Chrysostom was lovingly called “Golden Tongue.” These have been very meaningful posts, Janet. Thank you.
You are welcome, and a blessed Christmas to you and yours.
The utter wonder of the commingling….
We will never stop trying to find words to keep that wonder fresh. Merry Christmas, Jeff!