Advent Devotional: Day 12

Isaiah 7:13–14 - “Then he said, ‘Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.’” (NASB)

Isaiah prophesied against the house of David because they tested God’s patience over and over again.  He prophesied that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son and he would be called Immanuel which means “God with us.”  This prophecy was to encourage the Jews under oppression by reminding them of God’s faithfulness and that He is with them.  But…it also provided prophetic proof that the virgin Mary would conceive Jesus (Matthew 1:23).

During this season of Advent, spend some time reflecting on the miracle of the virgin birth and the reality that “God is with us” in Jesus.  He is our Immanuel who provides us with the strength and courage to face each day.  He is our Immanuel who resides in us as we reside in him.  He is our Immanuel who is “God with us.”

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the greatest Christmas gift ever, Jesus, Your son.  Thank You Lord for being with us and living in us.  We praise You for the true meaning of Christmas that You are with us through Jesus Christ, Your Son.  Amen.
For Reflection & Discussion:
What amazes you the most about the fact that Jesus is “God with us?”
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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