December Family Devotional

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Devotional Guide

  • Open in Prayer

  • Listen to or sing: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

  • Read devotional out loud


Devotional

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” - Matthew 1:23 


Christmas season is among us! The name Immanuel is one that we hear often at Christmas. We see it on Christmas cards, church bulletins, and music covers but what does that name actually mean? Literally, it means “God with us” but what does that really mean? What are the implications of a God who takes on flesh and comes to dwell with His people? 


The theological term for this event is incarnation, the act of God the Son becoming man.  Through the incarnation, Jesus became like those He created. He walked on the earth that He formed. He was dependent on his parents to take care of Him, to feed Him, and to clothe Him. He ate and drank. He knew what it was like to be tired. He felt sorrow and pain. He understood what it was like to be tempted. He experienced many of the same things we experience every day. 


Why is that good news? 


We do not have a God that is far removed and unable to understand us when we are feeling loneliness, sadness, frustrations, or disappointments. The God of the universe knows what it feels like when we are abandoned, betrayed by close friends, grieved by death, made fun of or accused of wrong. Yet, Jesus offered His friendship, comfort, and joy. Jesus came as Immanuel and walked this earth with His people. 


Although we do not physically walk with Jesus now, we do walk through this life with the presence of our Immanuel who has promised to never leave us. What greater hope could we long for than this - that we will see Him face to face and walk the streets of this renewed world with Him forever. 


In this advent season, let us not overlook the incarnation of Jesus. Let us sit in the truth that the God of love came down from heaven to live among His created people. May we respond by knowing Him, loving Him, and trusting Him.


Discuss

How does understanding that God became man help us to love and worship God?

How does this change our everyday lives?

Memorize

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” - Matthew 1:23 

Pray

Pray that God would help you to remember who He is during this advent season.



Lathea Miskel