Merry Christmas! Today, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus, our Savior, the fulfillment of every longing and hope. During Advent, we’ve reflected, prepared, and anticipated this moment. Now, we rejoice because God has come to dwell with us. In the gift of His presence, everything changes.

Emmanuel: God With Us

Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)
"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. 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. 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. 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.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel' (which means 'God with us')."

The name Emmanuel embodies the heart of Christmas: God Himself came to live among us. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, entered into our broken world to save us. He is not a distant deity but a Savior who walks alongside us in every moment.

The Wonder of His Arrival

The profound reality of Christmas is beautifully captured in the modern hymn Arrival:

"Who is God that He would take our frame,
The Artisan inside the paint,
Or breathe the very air His breath sustains,
The Architect inside the plan."

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, humbled Himself to take on human form. He confined Himself to time and space, stepping into the story He authored. The infinite became an infant. The eternal God became tangible, approachable, and personal.

A Day to Celebrate

Christmas is a day to celebrate the wonder of God’s presence with us. As you open presents, gather with loved ones, enjoy festive meals, or take a moment of rest, let your heart rejoice in the arrival of Jesus. He is the greatest gift, the one who brings hope, joy, and peace.

The message of Christmas is simple yet profound: God is with us. He came to be near, to rescue, and to dwell in our lives.

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What does the presence of Emmanuel mean for you today?