“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).

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, . . . Stir up Your strength, and come and save us! Shine forth! . . . Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (Psalm 80:1, 2b, 3).

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).