Whatever your opinion on Christmas, I find it helpful to choose certain things to really meditate on from time to time. This year, as Advent approached, I was struck with thoughts of the incarnation and the whole concept of God with us – and the weight each of those words hold.
So, for this Advent season, I am sharing some meditations on Immanuel. Most of this is not my own writing, but hymns/carols and scripture passages, but I have put a few thoughts before them. I hope it is meaningful to you as it has been for me.

I also want to ask that along with these meditations on God coming to be with us, we remember that we were once the people walking in darkness, but He allowed us to see the Great Light. With all of the focus on ISIS in the news and with so many asking “what can be done about them?” I want to ask that you fast and pray with me this Advent season, that this people walking in darkness will see the Great Light.

1.
These are terrible days: a massive refugee crisis. Evil men sweeping the levant, killing and raping as they go. Earthquakes. Mass shootings. The whole world hurting, wondering what the answer is. What can stop it all? What can bring relief?
World history has shown that no human power can end it for good. Wars keep coming. The earth keeps shaking. People keep dying.
We need help. We need hope. We need something more than this world can offer. We need a Savior.

Solomon: …will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built! (1 Kings 8:27)