Main Thought
Ask any parent and they will tell you that they are very familiar with the phrase: “It’s time!” After nine months of carrying a baby in the womb, there’s a moment when a mother’s body gives the signal that a baby is about to arrive and there’s nothing you can do to stop it! In the book of Isaiah, the prophet spoke of a Messiah that would come to save God’s people. This good news brought hope and expectation, but the Jewish people had to wait a while. Finally, almost 1800 years later, it was time! God fulfilled Isaiah’s prophesy and executed His plan to save the world by sending Immanuel (God with us). It’s Christmas; it’s time to reflect on Jesus - who came to be with you. Let’s make it about God. It’s not about presents; it’s about God’s presence. God wants to be present in each of our individual lives.
Main Passages
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
- Isaiah 7:14
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
- Matthew 1:23
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
- Hebrews 4:15
Discussion Questions
At Christmas, we remember that God sent His Son Jesus to be born and live as a Man. What can the Christmas story teach us about God?
What are you doing, or what can you do, to make sure God is present in your holiday celebrations this year?
Is God present in your life this holiday season? If so, how?