Devotional - Dec. 25, 2024

Scripture: Isaiah 7: 14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Yes, even now, after all the criticism and scoffing Christians have endured, we still claim today's text as truth.  Does it call for faith, yes.  Does it mean we still believe in the miraculous power of God, yes.  In doing so, do we still have questions, doubts, and concerns, yes.  But claim it, we do.  The Scriptures tell us when the time was right (Galatians 4: 4-5), God sent the Messiah Jesus, the Immanuel, into the world.  Immanuel means God with us (Matthew 1:23) and that is exactly what God always wants to be (Ezekiel 48:35, John 14:26).  Folks we are never alone (Deuteronomy 31: 6-8, Hebrews 13: 5-6).  The Immanuel has come and is still here.  And one day a year, we focus on just that, the gift God has given us (Ephesians 2: 8-9).  Regardless of how this finds you today, God has come and is here (Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16).  So, rejoice and be glad!  Where and how this finds you today, lift up your head and rejoice, Your Redeemer has come (Isaiah 59: 19-20)!  Return to God thanks and praise for the Gift you received and know for certain God wanted to give it to you (1 Timothy 2:4).  I pray that each of you is enjoying this day, in your own way.  Treat yourself and others well.  Remember those who are struggling today do to loss or abuse.  Pray for those who are abroad serving our country or God in the mission field.  And may the Peace of God be with you (Isaiah 9:6, John 14:27, Phillipiand 4: 6-7).

Pray with me ... Holy God we give thanks that You came, You are here, and You dwell with us.  We pray for all who are reading this and those they hold dear.  Bless them O God, bless those they love in accordance with their needs.  We give thanks for our church and we ask for Your guidance.  Help us to be Your people, who bear Your Light, in this world.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.  

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Brian