Have you ever thought about the title for Jesus, ‘Emmanuel’? Really thought about it? You probably know it means ‘God with us’. Every Advent and Christmas we hear that title used – because it is always true. God with us in the human form of Jesus during his earthly existence and God with us always.

There is a version of Christian faith that says that God is in heaven but not on Earth. Thus Christmas is a reminder that God was with us – but isn’t anymore. This is an impoverished and incorrect notion.

If we return to our fundamentals, we believe that God is love (1 John 4:8). So God is present in every form of love in the world, sustaining us, as we sustain each other, through love. Likewise, we believe in God as Trinity – a mutual indwelling of love of the Father, Son and Spirit. Thus God is relationship. We are told we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26). This explains why we need relationships to be happy and whole. So we are constantly in God and God is constantly with us. Then there is the mind-blowing idea that God is present in everything, all creation, lovingly bringing it all to fullness.

There may be times when God feels far away. That is our perception. It is like pulling the blinds down on a sunny day – the sun is still present. Thus Christmas is a reminder that God is always present. With all that is going on in the world, could there be a more timely Christmas gift – that God is with us?

God with us

Sun streaming

Cloudless blue sky

Gentle breeze

Feeling buoyed

Dog paddles at the beach

Back and forth

Tail wagging furiously

Fishing?

Neighbour’s quiet smile

Hugging a family member

Wind buffeting windows and fences

Rain hammering against the roof

Beauty of crystals

Wonder of rocks

with their ancient story

Cockatoo’s screeching heralds their presence

Music evoking joy, inspiration and connection

Family and friends connecting across the planet

An ant crossing the path

A night sky revealing a glimpse

of an infinite universe beyond us

The antics and love of a pet

Cuddling your spouse

Trees and shrubs sculpted

by prevailing winds

Friends capturing a moment 

through a photo

Flowers in their varied glory

and simple perfection

A sun powering everything

The list goes on and on

Love

God

Everywhere

In everything

With us

Always