Advent 2021: Presence of God

[Scripture reference: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-24]

Father God who is near, who is with me now.

I welcome you, your presence here with me

I invite you God to be near to me

Help my heart to always welcome and remember your presence

You are Immanuel, God with us.

You are not sometimes Immanuel, God who is sometimes with us

It’s a name of yours

Whether I feel it or not, you are here

You are Immanuel, God with us

I am tempted to forget that you promise to always be there

Help me to remember

Help me to see your heart for me, for your children

“God is with you” is not a platitude or something to say, but rather a beautiful, powerful, truth of a God who loves his people so much that will never leave them

You are Immanuel, God with us

You’ve created man to be with God, you’ve made covenants with your people

You’ve promised never to abandon them, you’ve promised to never abandon me

You mercifully, humbly sent your son Jesus to Earth to be physically present among man on Earth

A precious baby present in his mother’s womb destined to one day leave Earth for the sake of our souls, but even then when his time had come, a holy presence remained

The holy spirit indwelled in those who believe

You are Immanuel, God with us

You are so good to us, Lord

Your heart and your mercy is a beautiful display of your love for your people, for me

I pray your name Immanuel would be a peace and an encouragement to me always

I rejoice in that because you are with me, I get to be the hands and the feet of Jesus to the people around me

Hallelujah!

Thank you for the opportunities you have already provided

Would you bring more opportunities, especially in this Advent season, for me and our community to care for the people near to us -- in mind, body, and spirit

It’s in King Jesus’ name that I pray,

Amen

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Music: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/