Jesus With Us
In that semi-dream state just before waking, a completely random thought came to my mind: “No one knows I’m here.” It wasn’t something I had thought before that morning. But the day before, I had spontaneously visited a friend’s family member in his nursing home for the very first time.
With a tray of homemade Christmas cookies, I found him in his wheelchair by the nurses’ station. As a way of triggering some memories, I showed him some photos stored on my phone from when he and his family had visited us in our MD Chesapeake Bay home many years ago.
Soon others in their wheelchairs got my attention and I offered them some cookies too. Encouraged by one of the residents, I walked into her room to offer some to her and her roommate. To my delight, the bed-bound woman eagerly started a conversation with me, telling me about her life.
What impressed me was her attitude. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, she had clearly made the most of where she now lived by covering her walls with her artwork and framed photos of her family. She shared with me that all of them lived in far-away states.
Before I left, I asked the two women if I could pray for them. To my surprise, as soon as I ended my prayer, Susan started thanking God and praying for me! Isn’t that often the way it is? The one who comes to give receives so much more from the one to whom she gave.
It was no wonder I left that place feeling an extraordinary sense of God’s presence. These residents were most likely nearer to entering heaven’s gates than I was! My encounters at the nursing home reminded me of how Jesus is described in John 1:14 ~
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw his glory with our eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (The Message)
For those feeling forgotten or lonely this Christmas, Jesus reassures us that He has come to us and for us. With the promise that He will be with us long after the visitors have gone home to wherever they live. God is the one who will never leave us or forsake us. His undying love, hope, peace and joy is with us this Christmas and always. Thank you, Jesus (Emmanuel, God with us).
