Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Christmas season is one of joy, peace, hope and celebration. But for many it is difficult to experience this due to illness, chronic pain, the loss of a loved one or job loss. They are not interested in presents, they will not bring true joy. They need encouragement and hope but where will they find it?
Pastor Greg Laurie in his daily devotional writes, "There are many who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don't need a Christmas present; need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents."
Today's verse is quoted in Matthew 1:23 in the New Testament story of Christmas. Talk about a couple that needed hope that needed encouragement. The circumstances leading up to their child's birth would have stressed out any couple. But what a change took place when Jesus was born and came forth in their lives. Not only did they receive a son, but God was with them.
May we focus less on presents and more on His presence this season. May we do our best to share it and convey it to others that need hope and encouragement. May they find it in Him.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Matthew 1:22-24
Amplified Bible (AMP)
22 All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
23 Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us.
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife.
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