I love watching people at the arrival gates at the airport: the squeals of delight, the long embraces and the tears of joy when people finally meet face to face. I love it all. And no amount of technology can surpass the unique experience and value of in person relationship.

Christians have sung about the joy of face to face relationship for centuries: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”

This is the good news of great joy for all the people. (Luke 2:10). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us so we could really know Him (John 1).

And yet, this incredible joy urges us to long for more. We cry ‘Marantha! Come, Lord Jesus, so we can know you face to face.’

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

For me, one of the biggest challenges of this COVID period has been learning new skills to teach the truth of God’s word to children remotely. Here’s my Christmas attempt to help our little brothers and sisters in Christ understand the mind blowing joy that Christmas is incarnational (in the flesh). That the baby Jesus is good news for all people of an eternal, face to face ‘catch up’ with the Son of God. Joy that even a world wide pandemic can’t take away from us.

CARMELINA READ

Carmelina and Jeff arrived at Chatswood Presbyterian, a couple - new minister and wife. Two decades on, they’re a family of seven - 4 kids and Stella, the dog. Carmelina is the chair of the EQUIP Leaders Conference - a conference for any women who serve in word ministry.