Be Near Me, Lord Jesus

I recently went on a 3,000 mile trip over the Thanksgiving holiday from Southeastern Pennsylvania to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. The object of the journey? To visit with our 4 sons and their wives and families and spend Thanksgiving with my hubby’s side of the family. Although our backsides were a little worse for wear, it was a pleasant trip and worth the effort. This was the first time in 5 years that nearly everyone from David’s extended family, over 40 of us, were gathered together in one place.

But the highlight of the trip for me were the good-byes I got from my 7 year old granddaughter and her 4 year old brother. Saying “bye” to someone you hardly know can be awkward and has been difficult at times. But this time I was surprised with a couple of exuberant, whole-hearted hugs from Cadence and Titus. I was quite taken unawares.  It warmed my heart better than any hot cocoa or cappuccino ever could. Somehow we had broken the invisible barrier of familiar strangers to genuine relationships that share common experiences.

You see, my husband, daughter and I spent the day with Cadence, Titus, and little brother Malachi, a few days earlier. Both parents had previous obligations so we were blessed with an entire day of just hanging out together.

My husband and I were able to show them our love by being with them, listening to them, cuddling while reading a story, giggling about goofy antics by Grandpa or the kiddos. We had become for them more than a face and voice on a computer screen during a Skype session – our presence had transformed into something 3 dimensional, tangible, real.

Because we came near.

This time of year we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. God made man. The Divine wrapped in human flesh. God with us – God near us.

I pray this Christmas season that you would embrace Christ - He is near. He is the breath of a prayer away. Allow Him to show you His great love for you by drawing close to Him.
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