December 22, 2023 - Matthew 1:20-23

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 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.’” Matthew 1:20-23 NLT

Jesus, what a miraculous way to enter the earth. From the moment you entered our world you were doing the impossible. How wonderful to know that the God we serve is not at all limited by the laws of our earth. You created the earth, everything in it, and the laws that it exists within. The more we learn about the intricate and complex detail that you designed everything you created, the more it awes our mind. Your wisdom is beyond comprehension. The way you take the time to make the beauty of earth and how you created everything with great detail to work together shows your love for us. Then after we messed up your creation, you sacrificed so much to come to earth and redeem what we have so greatly messed up. What incredible love.

Lord, we thank you for how you cared enough to show up to Joseph and let him know what you were doing. We praise you for being a God who speaks to his people. You do so in so many different ways. We can “see” your voice all around us if we are looking and listening for you. Again, such a beautiful display of your love for us. You are truly the God that is with us. We praise your holy name! This Christmas, help us to not get so busy and wrapped up in things that we miss seeing you. Help us stay tuned into you and very aware of your presence with us. All praise be to Immanuel!

In Jesus name, amen.