Plus Signs

Matthew 1:23 (NIV) - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means God with us).

I gave myself two early Christmas gifts.  Is that allowed?  One is prayers for Advent so of course I couldn’t wait.  The other is a key word Bible!  I know you’re thinking I have enough Bibles, but this one explains the original Hebrew and Greek meanings of key words.  I keep saying I want to learn Greek because I love the nuances discovered through study of the original words.  This Bible may save me from having to learn Greek and Hebrew.

My first foray: God with us.  My new advent book asks if ‘with us’ means someone next to me or holding me.  Does it mean with me like the blood in my veins or like the beat of my heart?  No, nearer than that.

‘With us’ means among + around + aside + before + between + here + inside + middle.  I love all those plus signs!  God is in the midst of us, in every sense.

God is with us.  God is with you.  Absorb that thought a bit.  I’d love to hear how it affects your day.