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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Matthew 1:22-23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”
Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the nation of Israel was in shambles. Their political, moral, military, and spiritual pillars were crumbling. Civil war had split the country in half. In 722 BC, the Assyrians swept through the Northern kingdom and took them captive.
During this time, the prophet, Isaiah, did not hold back on God’s words of judgment, but his message included the promise of hope. Someone was coming who would change the course of history. Twenty-two times Isaiah told desperate people that a Deliverer was coming. Even though they were walking in darkness, one day they would see a great light. Immanuel was on the way! In our passage today, that promise is fulfilled.
The Promise was not a politician who came to change the laws of the land. The Promise was not a philosopher who came to teach morality. The Promise did not come as a military leader ready to take troops into battle. The Promise did not appear as a religious leader paving a way for man to work his way to God. The Promise “became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Promise was called “Immanuel.” Through Jesus, God is with us…forever!
Talking to God
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth. Thank you for dwelling among us. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for living in us by your Holy Spirit. Thank you for being Immanuel. In your name I pray. Amen.
For parents: Discuss the title that Isaiah gives Jesus: Immanuel. Talk to your children about the comfort and confidence they can have because God is with them.
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