Christ with us

This week, we looked ahead to the 4th Sunday of Advent and lit the final purple candle on our wreath. As we journey through December, the light outside diminishes but the light of our wreath increases, reminding us of the increasing anticipation of Christ’s presence among us.

Indeed, this week, we hear the story of Jesus’ birth and we are reminded that he is the Emmanuel - a name which means ‘God is with us’. Helping our children to recognise and feel God’s presence in their lives is probably the single-most powerful strategy we can offer them to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Believing that God knows and cares about us individually and that he journeys with us through the joys and challenges we face, can help give purpose and meaning to our lives.

Just as the Advent wreath illuminates the winter darkness, the presence of God in our lives can illuminate the darkness of self-doubt and anxiety.