The celebration of Christmas is past, but the reality of Christmas remains with us.
In the Gospel of Luke, the angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” — Luke 1:30-33.
Isaiah, the prophet, had prophesied more than 700 years before, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated to “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23.
God was with us as the baby born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, the Gospels record the earthly life of Jesus as he was with us on this earth, and God is still with us through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit.
God is still with us, as Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Immanuel, God with us, continues to be a present reality.
Celebration of Christmas may be past, but the greatest gift from God in Jesus Christ continues to be Immanuel, God with us. The central truth of Christmas is Immanuel, God with us.
Louie Locke is the pastor of Fountainhead Foursquare Church, 3690 Highway 395, Carson City, www.ffcwired.org.