The Nearness of Our Lord

The message of the incarnation of Christ comes to us in a variety of texts including the Gospel nativity stories as well as texts from the Epistles. Today we begin with a Pauline text from Philippians which simply reminds us that, ‘God is near’ (Philippians 4:5). In this passage we are encouraged to live in joy, peace and gratitude all because Jesus is near to us in time and space. Jesus is near therefore we do not have to live in fear or be controlled by our anxious hearts. Rather, we are able to live with tranquil and quiet hearts because ‘Jesus is near to us’ in every situation we face.