God With Us

Marlene Custer

Years ago, my family had a friend who lived in another country. I had seen a couple of old and grainy photos, but it was difficult to see what she really looked like. Even when she came back to the states, she lived a great distance from us. However, when our extended family and friends got together, she was often mentioned. I got the impression that I would like her. She was described as kind and caring, and having a hearty laugh.

One day we received a letter saying that Miss Allie was coming to visit our area. She planned to stay several weeks. Although I knew about her, it was not until she came and spent time with us that I really got to know and appreciate her.

 
I often think of Miss Allie when I hear the Christmas story. The book of Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah “…the virgin… will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel”. Matthew adds, “which means, ‘God with us.’” Early in man’s history God made it known that He wanted to dwell among His people…so “they will know that I am the LORD their God.”

After Jesus ascended back into Heaven, the Apostle John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.” Then he continued, “the Word [Jesus/God] became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

 
When the disciples expressed a desire to see the Father, Jesus declared, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” We can know what God is like because Jesus came and dwelt among us.

“Father, thank you for showing us Yourself through Jesus. Please help me to read and study Your Word throughout this Christmas Season. Help me to take a good look at Jesus, so I truly know You better. Thank you. Amen.”

(Cf. Exodus 29:45-46 NIV, Isaiah 7:14 NIV, Matthew 1:23 NIV, John 1:1 & 1:14 NIV, John 14:9 NIV.)

Marlene is a retired teacher striving to make Jesus known. Contact