“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son.”
(John 1:1, 14)
As a result of the emotional distance they experienced as children, many people develop an image of God as unsympathetic and emotionally distant. God is seen as cold and unapproachable. God is seen as being interested only in facts and in performance.
People who have experienced emotional distance in their families may ask, “How could God understand my problems? Does God even care about what I am feeling?” The image of the emotionally distant God is dramatically different from the biblical image of Jesus, who is called “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
God came to live with us, as one of us. God felt our temptations, our struggles and our feelings. God offers an intimacy with the Godhead which includes the emotional closeness for which all of us long. This is the message of Christmas.
The long-awaited Messiah is now with us! This is good news! The One who brings hope, peace, joy, and love is now in our midst. God knows us, understands us, and loves us unconditionally. Let us receive and share the miracle of Christmas that God is with us.
On Christmas we light the white candle for Jesus, the light of the world. So, light the Christ candle and celebrate! May the blessings of Christmas be yours today and always.
Merry Christmas!
– Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost, Senior Director of Religious Life & Pastoral Care
