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Among them

Corwin Thiessen

“Hallelujah. For the Lord God Almighty reigns.” The sweet sound of praise drifted from the tiny church and echoed across the frozen fields, bringing the seemingly lifeless landscape to life. Within the stillness of the cold Christmas Eve night, a warmth also began to grow inside the hearts of those assembled in the church. A collection of simple candles illuminated the sanctuary, and tiny crescents of light danced upon the walls. The faces of those seated in the pews also glowed. A peace had fallen upon the gathering, a reverence, a holy silence. For, as the music continued, those gathered suddenly realized that someone very special was among them. God was there, the Lord God Almighty, the Holy One, the Creator of all things, the Giver of life, the Beginning and the End. He was there, touching the hearts of all who had come. He was there with the woman who had spent nearly a century in devotion to her heavenly Father. He was there with the dejected farmer whose heart ached at the thought of an uncertain future. He was there with the homeless man who had wandered in off the street to keep warm. He was there with the newly married couple, who gently held each other’s hand. God was there, offering fresh hope, renewed strength and new life. He was there, extending His hand of love to all who would accept.

How was this possible? Two thousand years ago, in a land many miles from this tiny church, a miracle occurred. On that first Christmas night, God came down and took the fragile form of humanity. That night, Jesus Christ came into our world and was placed in a dusty manger. This precious Baby would one day sacrifice His life so that every soul could become reconciled to God. The arrival of this child caused the heavens to come alive with the sound of the angels’ song. The sweet sound of praise echoed across the fields, bringing the seemingly lifeless landscape to life. Within the stillness of the cold night, a warmth also began to grow inside the hearts of those gathered around the manger. A collection of simple candles illuminated the place, and tiny crescents of light danced upon the walls. The faces of those around the Child also glowed. A peace had fallen upon the gathering, a reverence, a holy silence. For as the praise continued, those gathered suddenly realized that someone very special was among them. God was there, touching the hearts of all who had come. He was there, with the lowly shepherds who looked with amazement upon the child’s face. He was there with the learned travellers from the East, who had brought costly gifts for the new King. He was there with the homeless beggar who had wandered in off the nearby path to keep warm. And He was there with the man and woman who would care for the Baby as He grew. God was there, offering fresh hope, renewed strength and new life.

God is here now. He is Emmanuel – God with us. He is still among us, extending His hand of love to all who will accept, offering His gift of new life.

Corwin Thiessen is a member of the Hepburn (Sask.) MB Church, and a missionary with Saskatoon Youth For Christ.

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Last modified December 6, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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