Devotional: God with Us

Matthew 1:18-25

The Christmas season is a time of celebration. People have various reasons that they celebrate this season. Christmas is also a time of loneliness for many people. Some people are depressed. This may be their first year without a family member or friend. Christians historically have celebrated the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Celebration is in order because Christmas reminds us that God is with us regardless of the circumstances in our life. We are never without hope because God is with us.

The angel assures Joseph that Mary is with child by the Holy Spirit. Joseph believes the angel and marries Mary. She gives birth to a Son. His name is Jesus because He comes to save His people from their sins. His name is called Immanuel because God is with us. We cannot escape the troubles of this life. However, we can celebrate each day that we are alive, because God is with us if we believe in the Son of God.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven. Thank you for this Christmas season. It renews our hope and gives us the assurance that Jesus saves us from our sin. His birth means that God is with us. Amen.