“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.”
—Luke 24:15-16 NIV

It was Sunday morning. Jesus had been crucified two days prior, and his followers scattered.

Confused and disillusioned, two of his disciples set out on a walk to the town of Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

They didn’t know that their Rabbi had been raised from the dead.

As they went down the road, they crossed paths with a man who began to walk and talk with them.

The man was Jesus, but they didn’t recognize him.

Not until they had reached their destination and sat down to eat together did they realize who he was.

This makes me ask the question: how often do we live our lives unaware that Jesus is right next to us?

Blinded by the disappointments and cares of life, we forget that he promised to be with us always.

But when we take the time to stop, sit and listen, we will discover that he was by our side all along.

In this season of Advent, take some time to pay attention.

Jesus is with you. The question is this: will you recognize him?

Carry this simple prayer with you today:

Breathe in: Jesus,
Breathe out: Help me see you today.