God Is With Us: Emmanuel
If you could remember only one promise of Christmas, what would it be? For me, it would have to be the meaning behind the name given to Christ.
As Joseph wrestled with Mary’s pregnancy, the angel appeared to him, referencing the prophet Isaiah, and said (Matthew 1:23, KJV): "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Think about the depth of that promise: "God with us."
In the Old Testament, God’s presence was often confined to the Temple, or sometimes manifested as a terrifying cloud or fire. He was holy, distant, and powerful—and rightly so.
The Dawn of Hope
It’s December 1st! Can you believe it? The air has a slight chill, and suddenly, everywhere I look, there are twinkle lights popping up. This time of year always fills me with a mix of energy and a sense of quiet longing that makes me want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and reflect on what really matters.
And that’s exactly what I want to do this month. My focus is on ensuring the noise and rush don't drown out the most important part of the season: Christ.
Think about the world right now, and maybe even your own life, right where you are sitting. Even with all the beauty of the holidays, there's often a deep, persistent sense of darkness, isn't there? Maybe it's a fear you’re wrestling with, a goal you haven’t reached, or just the heaviness of the daily news cycle.
This is the darkness that the very first Christmas story broke through.