Monday Week 2

Miraculous Birth

Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel."

Matthew 1:22-23

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'—which means, 'God with us.'"

We often think of Jesus’ miraculous birth as a beginning. Immanuel means ‘God with us,’ but where was He before He came to be ‘with’ us?

["In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:1-3

"I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began." John 17:4-5

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:15-17]

Close in Prayer

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and good cheer. However, a lot of people suffer from depression during this season. There may be many factors, including: financial hardship, loneliness or missing loved ones who have passed on. Sometimes being apart from a loved one who cannot be home for Christmas or who is serving overseas in the military can contribute to the holiday blues. Given the great loss of life not only in the US but around the world due to COVID-19, this Christmas will be difficult for a great many people observing the holiday in the absence of their loved one(s).

Retail stores and radio stations play songs that sing of 'Immanuel' and 'God with us.' But at times, we do not really feel like He is 'with' us, even if we know He is. This year it is more important than ever to make time to be with others who may need the comfort and company of God with skin on. Although it is not safe to gather in groups, a phone call or Zoom call can make a huge difference in the life of those who are feeling isolated, alone or are grieving.

Is there someone you can share the love of Jesus with by making time to be 'with' them during the holidays?

Pray for families and individuals who are grieving the many losses that this year has brought: income, loved ones, in-person fellowship, homes, etc. Also pray for those separated from loved ones during this season.

Make a Joyful Sound!

Choose a song from Song for Advent- Week 2 or choose your favorite Christmas carol.

#Immanuel #Godwithus #loneliness