IMMANUEL!

I have always argued that Immanuel, "God-with-Us," serves as the thread that binds the 28 chapters of the Gospel of Matthew together. Sunday's Gospel Reading, in 1.23, proclaims that Mary's son will be called Immanuel, meaning "God-with-Us" (echoing Isaiah 7.14). At the end of the Gospel, in 28. 20, Jesus proclaims, "I am with you always..." God-with-Us to the end of the age!  

The Gospel has one promise to its hearers and readers. It is not complete understanding. It is not triumph nor victory. It is Immanuel. 

We will never, ever, be alone. 

What does it mean to experience Immanuel, to experience God's presence in our lives? Many times we forget that the best way to experience God's presence in our lives is to be God's presence in someone else's life. 

Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Visit the prisoners. Welcome the stranger. Care for the sick. Clothe the naked. Befriend the lonely. Protect the most vulnerable. Stand with Palestine. 

Be God's presence in someone else's life. This Christmas. And always.