When God Came Down (Neh. 9:13)

Read Nehemiah 9:13.

1. What's the big deal in this verse?  (Hint:  It is before any mention of God's Law.)
2. God came down.  Does that thought excite you or terrify you?  Why?
3. When was the ultimate time God came down?  (Hint:  It has to do with a holiday.)  If you're stuck, read John. 1:1-5, 9-18.
4. By the way, God (Jesus) is coming down again!  There will be an invisible coming for His saints (1 Thess. 4:16-17 and, about 7 years later, a visible coming with His saints (Acts 1:10-11; Rev. 19:14).

What Was The Incarnation?

I can't get enough Christmas.  Some people are all "Get rid of the tree, already" and the like.  Not me.  I figure Advent only comes once a year.  It's supposed to be enjoyed.  Here is a quote by Greg Gilbert.  It's from his book, What Is The Gospel?

Up There and Down Here

We attended Aaron's Christmas Concert at the high school last night. "Half a mile" away, I couldn't see too much. Do you know what kept me focused? My son was up there on stage. It didn't matter if I could spot him all the time. I just knew he was up there doing his best for everyone.

Today, remember God is in heaven doing his very best for you. Christmas is about God's sending His very best. At times, you don't see God at work in your circumstances. Just remember He is "up there" doing His part. At times you can't feel God's presence. Christmas reminds us that God is "down here" with us. That's the meaning of Emmanuel.

God is both half a mile away and half a breath near. He is transcendent and immanent.