God Is With Us: Jesus Is A Cause For Wonder

Do you sometimes feel like the Christmas story has become overfamiliar? Maybe you feel swamped with thoughts about all the presents you need to buy, the meals you’ve got to prepare ... and you’ve sung that same carol enough already!

It takes a deliberate effort to stop our to-do lists and sense of familiarity from robbing us of the opportunity to look in wonder at the magnitude of God’s incredible love for us.

Jesus came to Earth as the fulfilment of all God’s promises. Wrapped up in his tiny frame was the biggest demonstration of love the world has ever known.

In Matthew 1:23, an angel tells Joseph that the miracle baby Mary is destined to carry will be known as‘Immanuel, which means God with us.’ Almighty God steps down into his creation in the person of Jesus. God shows us that he’s not some distant deity who’s cold and unreachable. Far from it—God is right here with us.

God's gift of love is offered to everyone

“Jesus is the reason for the season,” says Pastor Barthelemy, who leads a church that partners with Compassion in Burkina Faso, reaching out with God’s love to children and families who face immense challenges from poverty in their day-to-day lives.

Every year, thanks to generous supporters, Barthelemy’s church throws open its doors and welcomes the whole community for a Christmas celebration. "We share God’s love and the story of Jesus—it's truly awesome!" he says.

Whatever our situation, we can face times of difficulty. Broken relationships, ill health, bereavement, loneliness, or financial stress can all make life hard wherever we live.

That’s why God sent his light to shine into every corner of our world.

This Christmas, don’t miss the wonder of God’s love shown in the gift of his Son. Let’s open our hearts so that we can experience ‘God with us.’

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus came to Earth to bring your light and love. Help us not to feel overwhelmed by the busyness of Christmas. Fill our hearts with wonder when we think about the miracle of his birth,and help us understand how much you love us. Amen.