For You…

Our church held its Walk-Through Nativity last week, and I was privileged to serve as a guide. One of the scenes along the route depicted an angel appearing to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. As I narrated the scene, I quoted Luke 2:10: “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (NASB)

Those beloved words filled me with awe as I repeated them during the course of the week. The good news the angel brought to those shepherds was for “all the people.“ God knows the struggles of this world, and His love extends to all of humanity. Psalm 117:2 reminds us “His unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.” (NLT)

God’s love for us is powerful. And His love is personal. The angel also proclaimed to the shepherds “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” We are not a nameless blur of faces to God. He cares so deeply for each person that He sent His Son to be our “‘Immanuel’, which translated means, ‘God with us.'” (Matthew 1:23 NASB) God with us…God with you.

What are you facing this Christmas? Will it be one of celebration? Or one of struggle? Are you desperately looking for a reason to celebrate? Do you feel excited yet exhausted with the preparations? In whatever situation you find yourself, stop for a moment. Reflect on the greatest gift you will ever be given. Jesus came that first Christmas for you. He loves you. He knows your hopes and heartaches, and He will be with you.

He is your Immanuel. So take joy in the good news of Christmas.

Now it’s your turn! How does the coming of “Immanuel–God with us” bring joy to you?