HE IS HERE!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

and bear a Son, and they shall call

His name Immanuel, which is

translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

There is no way of knowing now how I got into doing a “Christmas piece” (poem) for the children's program at our church that was to be just before Christmas. I had just gotten into kindergarten. I knew it was all the big kids that did those “pieces”, but Alma Lockman came into my Sunday school class and gave me my “piece”, I told her I didn't want to do it, but she assured me that my mother would help me with it. They needed a really little kid to open up the program with the first words of welcome. It would be my first experience at public speaking.

We rehearsed the Saturday before the program in the church auditorium and of course, I had to go first. I looked around at all the children and their parents who were there which looked like a crowd to me. I was told where to stand on the platform that was rather high from the main floor. Miss Alma motioned for me to go ahead and speak, but I froze....I couldn't say a word.

Finally, Miss Alma walked on floor level toward me. She was rather short so she reached up and tenderly took hold of my ankles with nothing but love and concern. I told her I was scared with all the people there. Then she said something to me intending to comfort me but, it didn't do the job. She told me I didn't need to be scared because....”JESUS IS HERE!” Oh man, all those people and now she tells me that Jesus is somewhere there. I looked all around and didn't see Him anywhere, but managed to finish my “piece.”

I've never forgotten that event. It wasn't the new clothes I had to wear or Miss Alma's love. I got through it all, taking Miss Alma's word that Jesus was there. I couldn't see Him in person, but in my fear and trembling, I had the assurance of Jesus' presence because Miss Alma said so.

Miss Alma is in Heaven as probably most of the adults who were there that rehearsal day. However, I am reminded in difficult days of loneliness or even fear, that even if I can't see Jesus in person, I know He's a presence in my life day and night. He's present even now when I've had to teach or speak to ladies in various places. What a sweet assurance for every day, and not just on Christmas day, that Immanuel is with me.

Thank You Jesus for always being a presence in my life. Your love and comfort in these days mean more to me than I can express. In Your precious name....Amen