“We read about the name Jesus was given at His birth;
Immanuel, meaning “God with us”.
This God wasn’t content with dwelling in fiction,
this God wasn’t content living with the seraphim,
and this God wasn’t content with bulls and goats anymore.
This God wanted to dwell with you, with all of your mess,
with all of your failures,
with all the dirtiness that is you…”
~Ricky Maye~

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, the real meaning of Christmas sometimes eludes this woman/widow/mother/daughter/sister/librarian/author. I am too wrapped up in my own responsibilities and circumstances and the ones of those I love that the wonder of His coming takes a back seat to all the frenzy.

That’s why I love this quote so much. Look at the description of Jesus more closely: “this God wasn’t content… wasn’t content, wasn’t content… wanted to dwell with YOU.” What a miracle that is! Ponder on those words this Christmastime and may they fill all our hearts with (Word of the Week) MARVEL and courageous joy!

The Lamppost takes great joy in providing books and media to give you assurance and perhaps better insight into this wonder of wonders! Our Childrens’ Wardrobe and Atrium are filled with books of the season. Featured this week in nonfiction for adults: The Miracle of Christmas by John MacArthur; The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren and “Coming of the Messiah” (a CD) by R.C. Sproul; in fiction, check out Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh; Lost December by Richard Paul Evans; and my personal favorite, Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini.

Lots of fiction and nonfiction for Christmas for our younger readers too, TWO BRAND NEW ARRIVALS Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree; Carl’s Christmas; and again my personal favorite, The True Gift: A Christmas Story (read it every year!)

We are ardent about the Advent… manic about the Messiah… enamored with Immanuel!

Come and adore Him with us at the Lamppost!