The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23

My husband and I recently sold our home of 20 plus years in Pennsylvania and moved to Kent to be closer to family. Leaving friends and neighbors, our church community – all that we had grown accustomed to and that meant “home” to us over the years – was a difficult decision. It was a little scary to think of starting over in a new place. There were so many unknowns, so many decisions to make – and so much to do!

But all through the process we were encouraged with reminders that God was with us. Months before we even found a new house, we were welcomed by Kent UMC into the Disciple I Zoom class. Before we had packed the first box, we were making new connections! And the first Sunday after we moved to Kent also happened to be the first Sunday that Kent UMC resumed in-person worship. When we walked into the church we were welcomed by familiar faces we had come to know over Zoom, and by many others as well. We immediately felt that God was with us here, just as surely as he was with us in our former home.

The miracle is not that God moved to Kent Ohio with us, but that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ – Immanuel – to be God with us – all the time. That same child whose birth we now prepare to celebrate – who was born to Mary and Joseph in a stable 2,000 years ago – is active and present with us in the world today.

In the midst of changing circumstances, major life events, pandemics, or whatever is happening in our world – God is with us – and is with you and all who invite him into their hearts. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be hardship and struggles and bumps along the road – but knowing God is with you, travelling that road beside you, makes the journey so much easier.

Thought for the Day: As you journey through this Advent season, look for reminders that God is with us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that you loved the world so much that you sent your Son to be with us. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas, help us to remember that you are still present and active with us every day. Amen.

Kimberly Young