I am with you

Be strong, all you people still left in the land.
And now get to work, for I am with you,
says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
~ Haggai 2:4 (NLT)

And whatever you do or say, do it as a
representative of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks through him to God the Father.
~ Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

In Haggai 2 the Lord is telling some prominent leaders that it's time to quit wallowing in their woes, to get up off their butts, and get back to work -- "for I am with you." It is his presence that once again makes the difference.

In Colossians 3 the Apostle Paul tells the people that they are to act and speak as representatives ("in the name of" -- NIV) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him...

The reason why we can speak and act so boldly, in spite of our many issues and complications, is that we are Jesus' representatives -- people empowered by his presence.

Lord, in this Advent season we are especially mindful of the fact that you have come to live among us -- that you are here with us. We can be your service representatives because you are close by. We are not alone. Empower us through that knowledge so that we might do the great things to which you have called us. Amen.