JOY IN THE JOURNEY! Advent 2020 Devotional 10

December 10, 2020
Matthew 1:22-25

IMMANUEL: GOD IS WITH US!
“All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:22-25 NLT

There are so many miracles within the Christmas story. In this passage alone an angel visits Joseph in a dream to remind him of the prophet Isaiah’s predictions (made 700 years earlier). But the most incredible miracle in this passage is a God who loves us so much that He came to be with us! He is Immanuel! The desire of love is nearness. Blessed are we to be loved like that!

Prayer
Immanuel, we praise You for your extravagant love. Thank you for choosing to be with us. May we enjoy your presence and the intimacy you made possible through your Son Jesus Christ. In his name, amen.

Lisa Brown