Marie’s daily verse: Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

DAILY DEVOTION, December 21, 2023

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23).

There was a time when I scoffed at the virgin birth. I considered it to be a pious myth. It never really happened. Then a neighbor shared her faith with me, and I was drawn to faith in Jesus. When that happened, all my doubts about the biblical miracles vanished. Now I firmly believe that the virgin birth of Jesus is a historical fact. He received His humanity from Mary and His divinity through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. The God who created the heavens and the earth by a word can certainly arrange for a virgin to conceive.

I love this name given to Him. Immanuel, God is with us.  Paul once declared, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” It is a blessing to reflect on this truth: God is for us. He is on our side.  He accomplished everything necessary to achieve our salvation. The heart of it all is Jesus, our Savior. He is the ultimate proof that God is for us. I am looking forward to celebrating Christmas once again.

Father, that You for telling us that You are on our side. Thank You for loving us and for forgiving all our sins through Your Son. Help me to focus on You and Your Son this Christmas season and always. In the blessed name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.