24 December 2008
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel
—which means, God with us." Matthew 1:23
We are just returning from a Christmas Eve hike to visit Evie's grave site. It was, of course, a bittersweet visit. We wish so badly that she were with us at home right now; growing, rolling over and smelling like a baby. But, it was nice to visit the place we buried her - to remember her. And more, to remember where she really is.
I love what the angel told Mary in Matthew 1:23. She was to call the baby's name "Immanuel" because it means "God with us."
God with us.
Not just in spirit. Not just in our hearts or as an idea. God sent his son, physically, to Earth. To live, to suffer and grieve and to love.
He was here.
And he died, and on the third day he rose again. Now he's in heaven. And because of this, he is still with us.
Evie was with us for just a little while. She died and now she is in heaven with Jesus. She is not with us.
God with us here.
God with her there.
I look forward to (and long for) the day that I will stand with my daughter in His presence, worshipping Him!
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I took this shot just as we were leaving the woods. Can you find Scout?
(Who, by the way, was in hog heaven!)
Oliver, dressed as a lumberjack, ready for a play date with Max and Tanner.
Two nights ago, Oliver had a big idea that he could sleep by the Christmas tree. I helped him get set up with a pillow from our bed and a blanket from the living room. It was a very fun game for a long time!
I know I've already published this, but I have something to add. At our Christmas Eve service at Parish tonight we sang just the 3rd verse of "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" and it just felt appropriate to add:
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice!
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save;
He hath opened heaven's door,
And man is blessed forevermore.
Christ was born to save.
Christ was born to save.
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4 comments:
That picture is beautiful.
Merry Christmas, Myer family!!
Merry Christmas, friends. I guess we were at a different service tonight. Have a sweet morning tomorrow. Love you guys!
Raechel
Very nice post...we were thinking about you guys yesterday. By the way...I spotted Scout...right side of the pic.
And, poor O, sleeping on a hard bench with only a small blanket. Did his dad send him to bed with only bread and gruel?
Happy Christmas, Oliver and Co!
We love you very much. And we miss you very much. Wish you could enjoy the lovely snow with us. (We could lend you the necessary coat and such.)
Christ is born, Christ is risen, Christ is here!
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