Dear Reader, as we approach the day we celebrate Christ-mas, remember God sent His one and Only Son to be born and fulfill all the prophets had said. I share one more Emmanuel song, approaching the end of my year’s theme Immanuel/Emmanuel/Emanuel – God with us. Enjoy this celebration, keeping Emmanuel in the midst!

Holy Holy I will bow before
My Lord and King
Hallelujah You have come to us
You make all things new

~ YES! Our God came down to earth to make all things new; Let us bow down and worship!

Emmanuel, Jesus Christ
You’ll never let me go
My shepherd King
You’re watching over me
Emmanuel

~ Hallelujah, He’ll never let us go, our shepherd King who constantly watches over us.

So amazing, You have named the stars
Of the deepest night
Still You love me
You have called my name
I will follow You

~ Think about this; Emmanuel, God with us, has taken notice of us. Even though He’s put the myriad of stars in their places and has named each of them, He still knows our name and loves each of us!

Holy Holy God Almighty
There is none like You
Holy Holy God Almighty
There is none like You

~ There is none like our Holy, Almighty God! Let us praise Him!

Emmanuel Emmanuel
Emmanuel Emmanuel
Emmanuel

~ Selah!

https://genius.com/Hillsong-worship-emmanuel-lyrics

Join me and meditate for a bit on the deepest meaning of Christmas. I remember as a young Believer, I fell into legalism trying to figure out how to do this “Christian” thing right; especially holidays. One year I was told believing in Santa Claus was not good for our children. If they stopped believing Santa, how would they still believe in God? I cleansed my house, disposing of anything that had Santa on it. Out went the puzzles, coloring books, ornaments, story books, etc. Looking back, I realize the fear that made me do that.

Kat Kerr says there’s a Christmas Town in heaven! The Lord does not mind us celebrating His birthday on December 25th – even if it’s not the actual day – and many have forgotten why we celebrate. In Him we sanctify all things! So, enjoy the meal, the treats, the special traditions. Celebrate as the angels did on the day of Christ’s birth; sing gladful tidings, dance for joy, eat cake… pie… cookies… light up the Christmas tree and remember the life we have in Jesus, the gold and silver gifts of the Maggi. Do not call unholy what others have sanctified. If you give thanks, you set it apart to the Lord. As the Apostle Paul taught:

^{Romans 14:5} One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. ⁶ He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.