Nancy Taylor Tate
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” Matthew 1:23.
As we approach Christmas, remember Mary and Joseph, who also faced many difficulties. When the Roman government required them to make a long trip to pay taxes, it could not have seemed like good news to them. Having a child in a stable far from home was not an easy situation. But as they persevered, though in the midst of trying times, in spite of all the difficulties, Jesus the Messiah came into the world bringing salvation, exactly as had been prophesied for many years.
The greatest gift God gave to man is His Son Jesus! Wade Taylor wrote on our website: “The eternal ‘Word’ is the greatest revelation that God could ever give to man – the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin and dwelt among us in condescension as ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’”
He goes on to say: “The ‘written’ Word is to become the ‘experiential’ Word – a personal reality in our life experience that can be both seen and handled by those who surround us. Therefore, each aspect of our life should be of such yieldedness and submission to the resurrection life of Jesus, that the written Word, which has been imparted into our spirit, will find its expression and fulfillment through us.”
This is our prayer as we continue to send out teachings and post on our website! Christ IN you, the hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)
Jesus, as man, fully overcame in every area of life. May we learn to draw on His strength! In hard areas, may we look to the Lord for a turning. May we have hope as we look forward, knowing God loves us and is working things together for good (Romans 8:28). May we rejoice in His faithfulness! (Hebrews 2:17). And rest in His love (Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 31:3).
Emmanuel means “God with us.” God is not just the God of yesterday or the God of tomorrow. He is present and active today. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Emmanuel has come! He is present and active, working in our lives. May the Lord bless you with that assurance and fill your heart with hope, peace, and joy this Christmas!