Immanuel, God with us
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:15-16, ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created ... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ... For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:15-20, ESV)
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I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas! On behalf of myself and my own family, and all of you who have been such an important part of not one sparrow's community this past year, I hope you have a wonderful and meaningful week celebrating Immanuel's birth, and all the hope that comes with God being "with us," His children and His creatures (Luke 1:23).
I know this can be very happy time of the year for some, and a more difficult one for others (as our friends Nancy Janisch pointed out recently in a poignant Advent reflection, and Linda Churchwell reminded today on Facebook). I'm looking back on a rather difficult year myself, as I imagine many of us are, with a good amount of uncertainty about the future. Regardless of where you may be at, I hope and pray God will meet you with his peace and comfort this Christmas, and your loved ones and beloved animal companions as well.
By the way, we'll be sharing a couple more posts on Christmas and animals specifically leading up to the big day, and as always linking to another item or two on our Facebook page. I have a few ideas for New Year's week in mind as well (please feel free to share any of your own), before we pick up our FAQ series again in 2011 with a look at wo/man's best friend!
Anyway, a very merry Christmas from me, Cheryl and Jadon, and Baby, Missy and Bitsy (pictured) as well!
December 20, 2010
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