The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
It’s that time of year when we hear some of the great Christmas carols. Of course there’s always “All I want for Christmas is my two front Teeth,” and the barking dogs version of jingle bells...
But seriously, one of our more traditional favorites is "O Holy Night," which begins, Oh holy night, The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error, pining. 'Til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.
Do you remember the next line?
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Doesn’t weary world accurately describe the feeling of 2020 to you? Most folks that I talk to would relate to that description.
The first chapter of Matthew says this: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
What we need more than anything else right now are good, healthy, solid relationships. Relationships that provide peace, support, and comfort. We need people to be WITH us. We also want to feel God near us, with us.
The name Immanuel actually means “God WITH us.”
The last chapter of Matthew's Gospel has this verse: “And surely I (Jesus) will be WITH you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus promised that he will always be near. Through easy and hard times, through joy and pain. This is the reason a weary world can rejoice. Jesus rose again but didn’t leave us alone. The Spirit dwells in the believer's heart. He continues to be with us daily.
I find great comfort in knowing the Gospel of Matthew starts and ends with reminders that God is with us. God sent His Son to become human. To walk among us and give His life as a sacrifice. John's Gospel puts it this way: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us..." When He made His dwelling among us – He moved in and is with us to stay.
Weary people need daily reminders. Remembering we have a God who is not far away – but right here WITH us brings great joy and comfort – and should lead us to rejoice.
God bless you!
Gary
