Emmanuel

"An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Jospeh, son of David, no not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us.'" (Matthew 1:20-23)

As we enter a new year, we need to remember the great promise that we have been given: God is with us. At times that might be a difficult thing for us to believe. When terrorists attempt to blow up airplanes, when unemployment is so widespread, when wars rage on around the world - at times we might be led to wonder if God really is with us.

But the good news of this Christmas season - and the good news that we are able to carry with us throughout the year - is that God is truly with us, no matter what.

And so as we prepare to enter into a new year - and daily, as enter each new morning - let us remind ourselves that God is with us. And let us allow our words and actions to show forth that that is what we genuinely believe.

Ed Bowen