December 6
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22–23 (NASB)
The path of the Christian journey is full of “highs” and “lows.” Some believers may not be aware of it and are tossed back and forth by the waves of negative thoughts and experiences in this world (Ephesians 4:14). Car wrecks, sickness of loved ones, detention, hospitalization, theft, conflict, terminal illness, and other unfortunate events may happen unexpectedly. Have you experienced these things recently? What do you look for when you face adversity? Some people may seek for physical supplies, financial aid, support groups, or just an escape by joining a cruise. Before the end of 2022, it is good for us to look at a promise precious to all believers in a time of “lows.”
The story begins with Joseph’s unexpected discovery of the pregnancy of his bride-to-be. This was such a bad piece of news for this righteous man (Matthew 1:19a). Bible scholar John A.T. Robinson wrote, “The first and most indisputable fact about birth of Jesus is that it occurred out of wedlock.” Something miraculous must happen to turn Joseph around from privately handing Mary a divorce certificate (1:19b). What happens is a dream to explain the impossible by an angel of the Lord (1:20). Mary, an unknown virgin in an obscure village, is the chosen one to fulfill the word of Isaiah the great prophet (1:22; see Isaiah 7:14). This is an unprecedented miracle with an everlasting promise—the birth of Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus fulfills the prophecy literally with His physical presence in the first century and His spiritual presence in the age to come (28:20). How can it be? First, it is the will of God with the underlying work of the Holy Spirit (1:20). Second, it is the faith and obedience of Joseph and Mary (1:24; Luke 1:38).
Are you at a “low point” in your Christian journey? Do you worry about what will happen in 2023? Learn from Jospeh and Mary, ordinary people who faced an extraordinary trial. Three proven ways to overcome adversity: first, be sensitive to the message from God; second, depend on the leading and working of the Holy Spirit within you; third, respond to God with faith and submission. Jesus has come and fulfills God’s promise of salvation. The promise of spiritual presence is just one step away from your faith and surrender.