Points of light reach down from the inky night sky, reminding me that earth is the footstool. But ‘God with us’ also dwells here.
Jesus,
Open fields were the only place large enough to hold the multitude that announced your arrival.
Your book says there was no room for you in the inn.
But, then, that didn’t seem to be important to you.
You said you look to rest, not in a house, but with one who is humble and contrite in spirit and who trembles at your word.
You, who came to destroy the works of the devil—
You usually seemed to be doing the unexpected thing, and the impossible thing.
You, who napped on a boat in a storm,
appeared in a locked room,
served breakfast,
walked on water—
You fellowshipped. Forgave. Healed. Delivered. Saved.
You came so we could have life, and have it abundantly.
You are not a God who came to fit.
You are the God who overflows.
How did the earth contain the announcement of your advent, Jesus,
as vast numbers of angels spilled from heaven into open fields,
declaring your joy, peace, and favor?
Emmanuel, God with us,
As you dwell in us, these earthly tents you’ve made,
Fill us with your joy and peace, to overflowing.
Let your favor rest on us.
Scriptures & Notes
Luke 2:7-14
- Joy
- Peace
- Favor
2 Samuel 7:1-17; Isaiah 66:1-2
- ‘God with us’ wants to dwell, not in a house, but with people whose hearts are attuned to his.
Matthew 8:20
- God is looking for a resting place in his people.
John 10:10; John 20:19-22; Luke 19:9-10; John 3:16
- Why Jesus came
Other Scriptures referred to in this writing: Mark 4:38; John 21:9,12; Matthew 14:25-27
A Prayer of Blessing for You
May you be filled and overflow with the joy and peace of Jesus.
This content originally appeared in the December email newsletter. You are invited to subscribe at amylu-riley.com/subscribe.
All text content copyright © 2024 by AmyLu Riley. Author photo copyright © 2024 by AmyLu Riley. Night sky photo credit: Akhil Lincoln on Unsplash. Isaiah 66:2 Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB1995) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Lockman.org.
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