Jesus is still with us!
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
We had some fun with naughty elves in class on Sunday morning. Not elves or classrooms were harmed in the process—we enjoyed the antics of others shared online!
The premise is this naughty elf comes to live with the family in the run up to Christmas causing all sorts of mayhem (inspired by time-rich creative parents..) Filing Oreo cookies with mint toothpaste. Sliding down the bath on a towel. Shaving Barbie’s hair off. Making snow angels in flour on the kitchen worktop. My favourite was drawing Minions on a bunch of bananas!
But then the elf goes back in the box after Christmas. He leaves. And sanity is restored!
What does this have to do with Immanuel, God with us?
Well very simply: Jesus is not a naughty elf. He is the Son of God. He does not cause mischief. But brings the goodness and love of God into a needy world. And secondly he does not leave. He has not left us. Yes he has bodily ascended into heaven, but by the Holy Spirit he dwells with is RIGHT NOW.
As those who have died with him and have been raised again to new life we are united with him and he lives through us as we are found in him!
In short: he is here with us. Praise God! “..be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (v20)
