Do you know that God is with you?  He is.  Immanuel means God with us.  Because Jesus came into the world, God is with you and with me.  When Jesus completed His earthly ministry, Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would be with us to comfort and guide us.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we are never alone.  Never.

Do you believe that?  If you are going through a time of sadness and grief, it may be difficult to believe that.  Emotions may overrule that truth and leave you feeling empty.  That is what grief does.  But each moment that you feel depleted, Immanuel is with you.  He has His hand on your shoulder and His Spirit covers you.  This Advent Season is a time to prepare for the celebration to remember that coming.  For those who grieve, Christ remembers you.  He knows what you are feeling.  He is with you.  Immanuel promised to be.  Trust beyond what you can feel to His living promise. 

Lord of Life, we look this season at the merriment around us and yet for those who are emotionally tried due to a loss of some significance, feeling merry is just not so.  Jesus, You know that.  In Thy grace and steadfast love, please touch those who ache this season with Your comforting and assuring presence.  Thank You, Lord Jesus, Amen.

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