“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca [Weeping], They make it a spring; . . . they go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion” (Psalm 84:5-6a, 7).

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire” (1 Thessalonians 2:17).

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High . . . Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:14, 23).

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

That is the great mystery of Christ: We have a God who is not just in heaven, but “Immanuel, God with us . . . always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 1:23; 28:20).

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for HE is good! For His mercy [steadfast love] endures forever!” (Psalm 136:1).