Headlights shine like lanterns in the night as the tires glide into parking spots, leading us and inviting us in. Children hold the hands of mothers and grandmothers as they enter the expectant sanctuary. Friends introduce distant aunts and second cousins to the familiar church family as they slide quietly into the pew.
It seems the whole world is beaming and vibrant, yet quiet and still.
I always scoot in at the very last minute, waving at friends and family members, slipping fuzzy gloves into the pockets of a warm coat. Oh, how I adore a room full of old and new faces all anticipating the sweet celebration of Him.
Many faces in this church building are guests, but few are strangers.
Peeking to the left, it thrills my heart to see my farmer grandpa and my dearest friends in the same place, gathering to worship our King and to sing of Him as an infant in the manger. We’re all guests to the throne of God, bringing our less than perfect, torn-up, tired, battered hearts and laying them down for His glory with abundant gratitude for all He has done. Immanuel, God with us, remains faithful in every season.
Tonight, we lay aside the hustle and bustle of the past weeks as a united body of believers.
We gather and isn’t it stunningly beautiful? We don’t gather around the comfort of tradition or the thrill of merriment, although I enjoy both immensely! We gather around a manger.
Our hearts collectively join in more of a harmony than a unison as our souls adore the Savior.
This is the reality of my Christmas Eve. In my little part of the world, it feels and looks and smells like joy. I know this isn’t everyone’s story. Someone is lonely. Someone is without a family. Someone is hungry. The baby in the manger is the Savior of this whole, wide world. He is with each and every tired, hurting soul. The real beauty of Christmas is found in the presence of Immanuel.
My heart is with my friends in Haiti this Christmas and every Christmas. I know they are celebrating with a zealous enthusiasm, because these friends are full of passionate joy in Jesus! They are happy and singing.
My heart only aches because miles and cultures seem so far away and I find myself overwhelmed by the shared occasion, both here and there. It’s the birthday celebration of our King, our shared Savior. I imagine the fried plantains on a bed of white rice with beans on the side. My mouth waters. The delicious meal is well-suited to honor the Giver of all good things. My mind in another place, I quickly pray that they’re having the best time! We have a Savior.
God is with us. The very definition of Immanuel warms my soul from the inside out as someone opens the door to the farmhouse and winter rushes in, the chill dancing among the heat from a wood stove. We share grandma’s peanut butter fudge and the sausage from my dad’s deer.
And your Christmas? I’d guess your Christmas has traditions, quirks, and celebrations of your very own. How beautiful.
What a privilege to gather at the manger of the very Father, manifested as a newborn, that created such diversity.
Wherever you are in this season, friend? Whether you celebrate with plantains or deer sausage this Christmas? If your church is filled with candles or your heart is heavy with pain? Sweet friend, please know that Jesus is for you. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is for us all. Wherever this finds you, please lift your hands to Him and know that you are loved by the Messiah who came as a tiny baby to save us all.
He is for you and with you even right now. You are the reason He came.
May your heart be held by the love and promise of Immanuel this Christmas. May this season be defined by His goodness and His unfailing love. May this be the most sacred Christmas.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Courtney,
Your post returns my heart to the Christian school we have in the Middle East. In this country that is only 1% Christian…Christians who daily fear for their lives, pause and lift up adulation and joy that Jesus has not forgotten them…even better He has come for them. We lift our hearts together over a bridge that only God could build. We stand…all humanity…in solidarity in praising God for the unfathomable love that He has poured out on us. It makes me look forward to the day when all believers will gather around Christ in the new earth and and every knee will bow and worship Him. To all my (in)courage friends…
May you have a blessed Christmas filled with His peace,
Bev xx
Penny says
Bev,
Thank-you, I hope for the same for you.
Merry Christmas,
Penny
Courtney Stanford says
Yes! A thousand times, yes! I look forward to that day as well, Bev. Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I am so glad you took the time to read and comment! Merry Christmas from my heart to yours! ❤️
Amanda Claywell says
Beautiful Courtney! Thank you so much for sharing this with us on such a special day!
Courtney Stanford says
Thank you, Amanda! It means so much that you took the time to read and to comment. Merry Christmas, sweet friend!
Michele Morin says
For us, with us — yes!
Tonight as I stand with my candle in the quiet dark of my own beautiful sanctuary, I will be picturing row upon row of sisters the world over, tiny lights in our own small spaces, but blazing and amazing in our multiplied LIGHT!
Your words have made me look forward even more to this day of celebration, and to the Celebration that is yet to come.
Courtney Stanford says
What a beautiful picture you’ve painted, Michele! My heart will be with you, as well, imagining the rows and rows of women bringing glory to God, collectively around the globe! Merry Christmas from my heart to yours!
Rebecca L Jones says
He is for us and with us, and why He came. So true. Merry Chritmas.
Courtney Stanford says
Amen, Rebecca. He is for you and He is with you. Merriest Christmas from my heart to yours, sweet sister! ❤️
Penny says
Courtney,
Thank-you for sharing your story, and thoughts this Christmas Eve.
I hope you have a blessed & Merry Christmas
Penny
Courtney Stanford says
Thank you, Penny! I hope you had a merry Christmas, as well. Happy New Year!
Margaret Michael says
Hi Courtney,
I do not know you personally. A friend introduced me to in-courage this past October and I love it. A community nearby where I live in Virginia, suffered a terrible tragedy last Saturday night (December 17) when a murder occurred. Despite this terrible tragedy happening, I know that God is with us.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas,
Margaret
Courtney Stanford says
Oh, Margaret, I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy. How heartbreaking. You are absolutely right, sweet sister. Our God IS with us indeed. My heart is with you.
Shelia says
Thank you for these words.
Courtney Stanford says
Thank you for taking the time to read these words from my heart, Sheila. Happy new year!
Beth Williams says
Courtney,
Our little church has a tradition of family candlelight communion. Each family goes up and does communion, hugs and says I love you. Neat thing is that everyone is family here. If you are alone another family will gladly take you up with them. No one ever goes solo!!! We are just one big family!
People around the world celebrate Christmas. Some do it in fear of their lives, but do it joyously! We should do the same here and know we are blessed with Emmanuel–God with us!!
Have a great Christmas and blessed 2017!
Courtney Stanford says
What a beautiful picture of church family, Beth! I absolutely love this tradition. Thank you for sharing it here. Perhaps others will be encouraged to live with arms wide open, as well! Happy new year, Beth!
Susan Shipe says
Standing right there with you!