God With Us
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
The Gospel of Matthew begins not with a list of rules, but with a story of a divine announcement of Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
In Matthew 1:18–25, we read about Joseph’s difficult situation. He learns that Mary, the person to whom he is engaged, is pregnant – not by man, but by the Holy Spirit. So, he was confused and hurt, he plans to quietly end the engagement. But in a dream, an angel tells him not to be afraid. Why? Because the child in Mary’s womb is from God.
This moment changed everything. God was stepping into our world not as a distant force, but as a Person. He is none other than Jesus Christ. Through Him, we experience God’s nearness, grace, and redemption.
Key Verse:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).”
– Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
Are you facing confusion, doubt, or uncertainty today just like Joseph did?
Remember: God is with you.
Not just on mountaintops but in the valleys, in silent nights and anxious mornings. The name Immanuel isn’t just a Christmas phrase but it’s your daily promise.
When we walk with Jesus, we don’t walk alone. Whether you’re at work, in a hospital room, on your knees in prayer, or scrolling through devotionals online one thing you should remember that He is near to you. He came to dwell with us and still does through His Spirit.
Pause for 5 minutes today to reflect on how God has shown up in your life recently.
Say “God is with me” whenever anxiety or fear creeps in.
Open your bible and read let God talk to you through scripture.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being Immanuel – God with us.
When we feel unsure or alone, remind us of Your presence.
Help us trust You as Joseph did, even when we don’t understand the full picture.
May this day begin with faith and end with peace, knowing You are always near.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay faithful. Stay encouraged.
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