Scripture Verses
Read the context around these key verses when possible!
Reflections
When the angel spoke to him in a dream, Joseph was reminded of what the prophets spoke regarding Jesus. Joseph was reminded that the baby’s name would be called Immanuel (which means God with Us). What a name!
Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden and enjoyed fellowship with God. After they sinned and were made to leave the garden, they were not free to enjoy God anymore. In fact, they would rather hide from Him.
But God did not hide himself from mankind. In His grace and kindness He revealed Himself in the Old Testament. He displayed His presence through the tabernacle. He spoke to the people through prophets. He re-established fellowship with His people through ordinances and the law.
But people could not just go into the temple and be in the presence of God. They certainly could not approach Him any way they wanted!
Jesus’s coming was so remarkable because, for the first time, God was with us in our flesh. With us in our frailty and limitations that flesh brings. With us in our challenges and temptations that flesh faces. And with us in our pain and sorrow that flesh suffers. God came to live with us in our flesh. Yet He was without sin. In flesh He died for us and in flesh was resurrected for us.
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us?
“Christ triumphed over sin and death so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. “
New City Catechism, Question 50
God would never again be far because we are brought near by the blood of Christ. We would never again need to hide because God With Us made a way for us to be with God.
Since Jesus has come, we no longer have to look back to the prophets to hear a word from the Lord. The very word of the Lord came to dwell with us. God has spoken to us in His Son, Jesus. We are all free to go to God the way He calls us – through Jesus.
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
The following are available on Right Now Media:
Call His Name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) – From Seeds Family Worship, Christmas Album
God With Us (Matthew 1:18-24) – From Seeds Family Worship, Christmas Album
Discussion
Do you ever feel alone? How does knowing Immanuel give you hope and peace?
Neighbors & Nations
We are blessed to be a blessing. Whether near or far, God’s heart is to make His name known so people from every nation will worship Him.
What can our family do today to make God’s name known?
Ideas for December 13
- Continue praying for international students living in your city.
- If you have an international cultural center (like at a college) see if they can recommend someone who would like to see what a traditional Christmas is like.
- If you already know people from a culture different than yours, ask them about their celebrations and find out what their traditions are like.
If you are using the Advent Prayer Chain, pray for the next link.
If you have the Seeing Jesus stickers, add the circle to today's banner and review the previous stickers.
Seeing Jesus, Advent Wall Sticker Set is a Christmas countdown that provides a visual reminder of each day’s focus to help us see and celebrate Jesus.