“I am with you.” Luke 1:28
The words “I am with you” are words of promise most often remembered during Easter. The resurrected Jesus promises the 11 remaining disciples that he will be with them always. This same promise resounds as the promise of Advent. God promises the people of Israel that he will be with them through the words of the prophets and psalmists (2 Sam. 7:13; Ps. 23; Ps. 100, Isa. 43). Though the people betray God and turn their backs, though they sin and follow other gods time and time again, still God promises “I am with you.”
God promises “I am with you” to Mary through the angel Gabriel. Mary replies, “I promise to be with you according to your word. Yes, I am with you, God” (Luke 1:38). Joseph promises Mary, “I am with you” (Matt. 1:24), after finding out she is with child and carrying God’s own son. Promise by promise, the Advent story stretches out, like bands of cloth across a waiting manger. May each of us this Advent not take this promise lightly. As we approach the manger in Bethlehem, may we carry a strand of promise from our life and offer it as a gift to the newborn King, God’s promise that he is with us. Always. Excerpts taken from Behold!, by Pamela C. Hawkins
Action: Remember a promise you have made and recommit to keeping it.
Prayer: God, thank you that you will never leave us or forsake us but that you promise you are with us. Today, I want to remind you, O God, that I am with you too. Amen.