O Come, O Come, Immanuel



This Christmas season I have been so moved by the lyrics of classic Christmas songs as they remind me once again of how the all-powerful God came to earth as a human baby.  This baby, this Jesus of Nazareth, born in a stable in Bethlehem, came in this most humble of packages because of Love…He came to save us and to reconcile us to the Father.  This is truly wondrous Love.  Glory to the Newborn King!  Fall on your knees!  Peace on Earth!  O tidings of comfort and joy! O Holy Child of Bethlehem, come unto us we pray…cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.



Usually at Christmas I ponder the baby Jesus only momentarily and move on to remember the adult Jesus who died and rose again as our atonement.  And I think that’s good.  But this year, the baby Jesus is Who I find myself dwelling on most.  I’m just so grateful for this Holy Child and for what He represented and accomplished for Israel and all of mankind.  This is Immanuel…God with us…

This Holy Child grew to be the greatest advocate for all children.  His Love for children runs deep within the rivers of His heart.  He tells us all to become like children in our faith.  And He tells us the outworking of this faith is to take care of children. (see James 1:27)  He warns us against keeping children from His Love.  (see Matt. 19:13-14)  I cannot imagine the grief that He is feeling for the lives of the children that were lost in the senseless shooting yesterday.  I cannot imagine his grief for the atrocities that happen to children around the world every day.  His heart is for the rescue and the protection of children.



I want to carry this heart of the Christ Child, of my Savior, within me.  And this year this means something very special as my husband and I attempt to do our part for one very special child…



Immanuel.

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There is a little boy in Ethiopia, perhaps even now in his mother’s womb, who will be born into a bad situation – either his parents will die or they will be unable to care for him because of poverty or sickness.  Perhaps he will be abandoned.  But Immanuel the Redeemer has His hand on this boy’s life and he has given Benj and myself the awesome privilege of being his parents.  In honor of our King and in gratefulness for this miracle, we have named this little boy, our son, Immanuel.



This Christmas, my biggest wish and my strongest prayer is to have Immanuel in my arms by next Christmas, Lord-willing…that he would come home to us as soon as possible and won’t have to endure too many hardships as we wait for him and as he waits for us.

If you’re looking for a place to give this Christmas, or if you feel led by God to be a part of this miracle, we would be honored to have you join us in our adoption journey.  This adoption is a test in faith and trust for us as we look at the very large sum of money it is going to require. To help people like you to come alongside us we have set up a website to make giving easy - https://gifts.betterment.com/babyimmanuel.

The most comforting, amazing realization is that we know that He will be faithful to provide for this adoption.  After all, it is HIS idea, it is HIS heart.  He is the ultimate adoptive parent.  I am so glad He’s adopted me and called me His own!!



More than your finances, we need and covet your prayers.  This is the most exciting step we have ever taken and we need the grace of God to ensure that all goes smoothly and to prepare our hearts and our home for our son.  You can keep up with our journey on www.benjandgabi.com.



O come, O come, Immanuel!!!



God bless you this holiday season.  Give thanks to the Savior who came to redeem us all.

With much Love,

Gabi