We are in the midst of Advent season. Houses are lit up with Christmas lights and living rooms are decorated with nutcrackers, gifts, and Christmas trees. Churches are focusing on the reason for the season, Jesus Christ, the son of God.
Advent marks the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas (or in some countries, the first of December). In Latin, Advent means ‘Coming’. Thus, Advent celebrates the coming of Jesus into the world. For us as believers and followers of Christ, Advent is a time to prepare and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Prayer:
Father God, during this busy season filled with joy and gifts, let us remember the true reason for our celebration as we commemorate the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who saved his people from their sins. Thank you for Immanuel, God with us.
‘Mary Did You Know?’- Mark Lowry
The Devotional Guy™ 