God with us

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the coming of God into our world. Emmanuel, which means "God with us," is at the heart of the Christmas story. In this passage from Matthew, we see Joseph and Mary struggling with the news that their child will be called "the Son of God." But they come to know that despite their fears and doubts, God is with them. This Christmas, let's remember that no matter what we are going through in our lives, God is with us. He loves us and wants to be a part of our lives.

1. We can know that God is with us when we experience his love.

One of the best ways to know that God is with us is by experiencing his love. When we feel loved and accepted by God, it gives us a sense of security and peace. We know that no matter what happens in our lives, we can always count on God's love.

2. We can know that God is with us when we feel his presence.

When we feel God's presence, it is an amazing experience. We know that he is with us and loves us, no matter what we are going through. This love gives us strength and peace during difficult times.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

3. We can know that God is with us when we receive his blessings.

Receiving God's blessings can mean different things for different people. For some, it may mean receiving material blessings such as wealth, health, or happiness. For others, it may mean experiencing spiritual blessings such as peace, joy, and love. No matter what form they take, however, God's blessings are always a good thing. They bring hope and comfort during difficult times and remind us that we are never alone.

4. We can know that God is with us when we obey his commands.

When we obey God's commands, we are trusting him to lead us in the right direction. We know that he loves us and wants what is best for us, and by obeying his commands, we are following his plan for our lives. Obeying God brings peace and joy into our lives, and it allows us to experience his love and blessings more fully.

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." (2 John 1:6)

5. We can know that God is with us when we pray to him.

When we pray, we are communicating with God. We can feel his presence in our prayer time, and it is an amazing experience. We know that he is with us and loves us, no matter what we are going through. This love gives us strength and peace during difficult times. Prayer allows us to experience his love and blessings more fully, and it allows us to follow his plan for our lives.

God is with us. He loves us and wants to be a part of our lives. Let us pray for strength and guidance during this holiday season as we continue on our journey of faith.

Until Everyone Hears,

Dr. K

Conception and Birth of Jesus: Matthew

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.