What an amazing truth as we go into the Christmas season: “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted as “God with us,”’ (Matthew 1:21-23). Just think about this: the infinite, the awesome, the all-powerful Lord of all took on a body like yours and walked this earth so He could know what it was like to be you, (Hebrews 2:17).
Stop a moment and think about the love He has for you. He took your place on the cross for your sins (Philippians 2:7-8). When you trusted Him by faith and received His grace, He gave to you His own Holy Spirit to guide, to counsel and to comfort you in every situation you will face in this life. What a blessing for us.
His name “Emmanuel” means you are never alone or without His presence. God himself is always with you. Hebrews 13:5-6 tell us, “… for He hath said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” So regardless of what you are experiencing or where you are, you can be absolutely sure of His loving and wonderful presence.
What an amazing gift Jesus has given to us. He always, without fail, accompanies you, empowers you, encourages you, equips you through every moment of every day and all the circumstances that touch your life. So thank Him today for His presence with you, keep your eyes and heart fixed upon Him and then, my friend, rejoice in the great and wonderful gift. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Almighty God, is with you.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
