Where is God?

In this season of Advent the question of where is God seems to be asked often. In the spirit of love we buy gifts for one another, cook together, and join in cheers for peace throughout the world.

In the midst of being surrounded with a "season of love" the world is still a harsh place. What’s going to happen to the people in the Congo, Iraq, Colombia, Africa…? Even here in the USA some people don't feel in the mood for Christmas. Maybe they have lost a loved one – because of the markets they can’t celebrate like years past - or their children have grown and won't be around - or this year has been harsh and there is nothing more to give.

I think Mary and Joseph may have experienced a similar and difficult "Christmas". A season that was full of fear, frustration, sadness, unknowingness, and hesitation.

Luke 1:29
Mary a virgin was informed by an angel that she was going to give birth (not such good news in those days - and I know I'd be perplexed too if an angel spoke to me).

Luke 2: 1-5
Caesar made a decree that they had to be "registered", which required a very pregnant woman to leave with her husband most likely on a donkey (talk about uncomfy, I can only imagine what Joseph had to listen to on their travels).

Luke 2: 7
They couldn't even get a sanitary bed for the birth - they end up in a dirty, dusty stable with no doctors and no family. (What if something went wrong?)

Yet, in the midst of all these harsh uncertainties a child is born. A savior is born. Passionate grace is born. Assurance is born. Forgiveness, guidance, light, life, and certainty is born.

Certainty that God comes into the world because we are loved -

God is with us - Emmanuel!