Emmanuel. God with us. That is usually the name of God I ponder most over the Christmas season. But this morning I woke with another one of my Savior’s name on my heart. Jehovah – Rapha, the God who heals.
I woke up feeling a little sorry for myself, that I have missed church for three of the last four weeks due to this lingering bronchitis and sinusitis. And now for Christmas Eve, 
when we usually attend one service at our church and one with my sister and her family at their church, I am not going to any. And to top it all off, this may be the last Christmas we celebrate in the north.
Then the truth hit me. Emmanuel is still here with me, even as I cough, sneeze and sniffle. And this God with me is also the One who is healing my body, and truly providing the breath in my lungs when they are hard to come by. I can worship and celebrate Him in my home, yet still join in the chorus of those around the world celebrating Jesus’ birth.
Even better than that great truth is that Emmanuel is not only healing my body, but more importantly He has healed my soul and heart. In fact, that’s the whole reason He came as a baby – so He could model how to live in communion with our Father, and show us what obedience means – giving up His very own sinless life on a cross to pay the penalty my sin deserved. And He did that for you too!
Does it sound like I am crazy to say my God is with me and heals me even though He died? Not at all, because death did not have victory over Jesus. Instead, He rose from the dead and now His Spirit is alive and at work.
So here I sit with my hot tea, tissue box, blanket and Christmas music directing my heart and thanks Heavenward. How about you? What name of God are you pondering? If you want to know more about this inner healing Jehovah Rapha brings, or the companionship of Emmanuel just ask, I’d love to tell you more.
Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas dear readers.
