We have entered into the Advent Season.  It's the time of year when we celebrate Jesus coming to the earth as a baby and we look forward to His return as the Coming King.   Matthew 1:23, says, "the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him "Emmanuel" which means "God with us," (NIV). God is still with us in these unprecedented times.  He promises to never leave nor forsake us.  At the appointed time, God sent Jesus His Son into the earth, born of a woman, born under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons, Galatians 4:4-5.

Jesus fulfilled his purpose in coming to the earth when he destroyed the works of the devil in and at the cross.  Colossians 2:13-15 says, "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross," (NIV).  Jesus liberated us from the bondage of sin and set us free from being held in captivity to the enemy.  The power of sin has been broken.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.

While Jesus was on earth, he forgave sins, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, healed the deaf, calmed the storm, multiplied food, raised the dead and many other miracles.  John 21:25 says, "Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written," (NIV).  Jesus revealed God’s goodness, mercy, love and power by the miracles he performed while he was on earth.  Jesus was God in human flesh.  Colossians 2:9 says, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form," (NIV).

Yes, Jesus returned to heaven and is returning soon.  However, he did not leave us as orphans.  He sent us the Holy Spirit.  We cannot physically see the Holy Spirit, but we can see Him at work with our spiritual eyes.  In John 3:8, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the wind.  He said, "the wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit," (NIV).  The Holy Spirit is Emmanuel - God with us.  God is always with us.  He will never leave nor forsake us.

The Holy Spirit teaches, empowers, leads and guides us into all truth.  He also protects and provides for us, and gives us His peace.  He is our Helper, Counselor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby.  He is the Spirit of Truth and He is with us forever.   The world cannot receive Him or know Him.  However, God's people know Him because He remains with us continually and resides in us. 

Ephesians 1:13-14 says, "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory," (NIV).  Matthew 1:23 rings true; Emmanuel - God with us.  Merry Christmas.  Be a voice for the gospel.  Wear Scriptures!