Day 13
Friday, December 9
Emily Freedman
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.” (Psalm 75:1a)
My primary name, these days, is Mom. I hear “Mom” yelled out to me approximately 30 times per hour. Mainly requests. “Mom, where’s my socks?” “Mom, bring me my book?” “Mom, I’m thirsty!” ¡Mom! And lucky for me, my kids are still young enough that I hear, “Mom, snuggle with me.” Be near me. Don’t leave. Let me put my warm sticky body and surprisingly pointy elbows in your lap.
I’m savoring this childlike nearness that I’m sure will soon pass. I long for that nearness too. The nearness of a friend who understands you so well; it takes no effort to be in their presence. The nearness of familiarity, a reassuring voice. We sometimes sit in the same room with each other but are not near.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you came near to us. You entered the cosmos, time itself, and came near to this flesh…here on the tottering earth. Things get pretty shaky down here. I think of how many times in your ministry, you came physically near. Climbed into fishing boats, got up close, sat on the bed, touched eyes, ears, maybe hands––cupped around a face in love.
And now we have the nearness of your Spirit, reminding us of all you said and all you are. Speaking words of nearness and intimacy to a church that was known. And speaking to us. The nearness of all your name, your character, your glory. I give thanks to you, O God, that you didn’t leave me where I was (distanced, tight-grip-of-control, alone) ––you came near, to me too. And you’re coming again.
Steady us, Lord, with your nearness, as we wait and hope. Selah.
Emily lives in Needham and loves to run (slowly) and is really looking forward to the holiday baking season.