Emmanuel: Truth — Even in Chaos, God is With Us

Chaos, here we come. I’m out of my mind. I’ve officially lost it!

“Chaos”, was what I thought this week when I scheduled a meeting with my developmental editor to go over a manuscript I’ve spent the past several months refining to (hopefully) make my debut as an author. That means dealing with chaos. The weather gets colder and messes with my body. Even when I oversleep on the day I’m supposed to meet my editor. I scramble to reschedule! I (barely) succeed. (Yeah, that happened. Not proud of it, but I’m offering transparency to hopefully make a point.)

Holidays can mean chaos

Chaos seems to reign at the holidays. This is the time of year when Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Yes, we know, he wasn’t likely born at this point of the year. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting concept: A savior who would come to be with us, His creation, on Earth. There’s a title for this.

God with Us: Immanuel.

Chaos cannot stop Immanu-el. That’s the Hebrew word from which we get “Emmanuel”. It means “God with us.” That’s who He is. God in human flesh, come to us. He’s with me no matter what I face, no matter what challenges come my way. Even when I don’t know what’s going to happen next. Even when I’m worried about traveling to West Virginia to for Christmas visit our family, God is still with me.

Chaos is not something I embrace. So, I’ve decided not to let it get the best of me. Yes, it’s the holidays. Yes, I know being around family this year is going to be fun but chaotic. Still, I stay still. I pause to remind myself that even when the cold weather affects my legs and causes pain, when my family gets on my nerves, when it seems like all I see is the negative, there is still one overwhelming positive.

Immanuel.

I hope those of you who celebrate will have a very Merry Christmas. Also, my prayers are with my Jewish friends as you celebrate Chanukkah in the midst of the tragedy in Bondi Beach. May the memories of those who were killed be a blessing.

How do you find calm in the holiday chaos? Comment and let me know. Be blessed!