Saturday 17 December, 2016

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Christmas is such an exciting time of year, however as it draws close there are so many things to do. From shopping and cooking, to all the extra calendar events, it’s a busy time of year for all of us.

However, this passage so clearly reminds us the true heart behind why we celebrate Christmas – it’s when we rejoice in the miracle of Jesus. I find it hard to imagine what it would have felt like for Mary and Joseph to receive such significant messages from God. But they trusted in His promises and followed His leading.

When reading vs 23, “…and they will call him Immanuel, God is with us”, I am reminded of the beauty of the gift of Jesus. It is by the birth of our Messiah and Saviour that we can find hope and salvation. What amazing truth it is, that God promises to be with us.

Lord, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and the gift of Jesus this Christmas. May all that I do in preparation for this season be for Your glory. Thank You that You are our Immanuel, God with us. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Laura Samperi