NOTE: I wrote this blog post on Sunday afternoon before the tragic shootings in Las Vegas. Like you, I woke up to the horror. My prayers are heavy today. 

Sometimes I wonder… where is God?

Maybe you wonder too?

For us wonderers… here’s comfort from the beauty of Scripture.

 For a moment, imagine yourself a tweenaged girl. Your pulse races. Pupils dilate. Skin turns clammy and sweaty. You gasp to catch your breath. Hair stands on prickly end.

A mighty warrior angel glows before you. He says you’re favored, and the Lord is with you, with you, with you.

Those words echo deep in your soul along with the wonder of the moment. This is the first of many wonders and joys that will come to you. But it’s those first words to which you must cling.

He is with you, with you, with you.

He is with you when your son disappears for days to teach in the temple.

He is with you when you ask for wedding wine and receive a gruff response.

He is with you when you watch your son ridiculed and run out of town.

He is with you when you weep at the feet of his shredded body.

He is with you, with you, with you.

In Immanuel, the words of the angel reach the farthest outposts of humanity. Immanuel means, “God with us” and refers to the Christ child. The angel says Mary is “highly favored,” reminding us not only is God with us, but He has our best interests at heart. He delights in us and loves us. That’s why God with us is such good news.

He is with you, with you, with you.

No matter where you find yourself in life, in relationships, in work, rest assured, He is with you, with you, with you.

Though I’ve been writing for more than 20 years, I’ve never penned a Christmas project. That’s why I’m so excited to announce that Celebrate Wonder and Joy: 25 Daily Advent and Christmas Devotions will ship October 15. You can pre-order here.

And to celebrate the special occasion, I’ve teamed up with Jessica Taylor Design to create these gorgeous Christmas cards.

Jesus is The Best Present Ever samples returned from the printer—and they’re gaspy gorgeous! This is an extremely limited print run, so order fast to enjoy. These will ship October 15 along with Celebrate Wonder and Joy.