“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Benjamin Franklin once said: “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts!”   

As most of us do, I look forward to the holiday we call Christmas. It brings back great memories from my childhood and then great memories as we tried to make Christmas special for our own children.  The lights, the decorations, the music, the smells of pine and cinnamon and of course the gifts under the tree.  A great way to celebrate Someone’s birthday!

Yes, the holiday works for me… IF I keep my mind focused on the core principle behind the celebration AND if I’m willing to put that principle into practice. If I am continually practicing that principle, then Christmas is really just another day. It’s one more special day to rejoice in the wonderful mystery of Emmanuel, God with us. The fact is, God is with us, and the concept of “Emmanuel” goes way back into the Old Testament – as far back as Joshua.  The command given to Joshua is the command to us as well:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

So yes, we should always look forward to this holiday. It’s another day to let go of our worries, concerns, and difficulties and rejoice in the fact that we can lay all our burdens upon Him because He cares for us.  It’s ‘just another day’ to embrace the incredible love of God and celebrate the reality of His presence in our life. Yes, Emmanuel, “God is with us.” That truth makes every day a celebration!

Father, thank you for this holiday. We praise You for one more day to experience the promise of Your presence. Because You are in is, we trust You to be strong; we trust You to be our courage. Thank you that You are with us wherever we go. Amen