This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and 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 be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
The Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus was “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.” For many people, those words feel like a detail to believe rather than a truth to treasure. Yet these words reveal something beautiful about the heart of God.
They tell us that God came to us.
Most people assume that faith is about climbing. Climbing toward God. Climbing toward goodness. Climbing toward enlightenment. Climbing toward acceptance.
The problem is that no matter how hard we climb, we never seem to get high enough. We know our failures too well. We know our selfishness, impatience, fears, and regrets. Deep down, we know we fall short.
That is why the incarnation is such good news.
God did not wait for us to find our way to Him.
He came to us.
John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Think about that. The eternal Son of God stepped into our world. He experienced hunger, fatigue, grief, rejection, temptation, and suffering. He entered the very mess we created.
Imagine a child trapped in a deep pit. A crowd gathers around the edge. Some offer advice. Others offer encouragement. A few explain how the child got there in the first place. But advice and explanations cannot rescue the child. Someone must climb down into the pit.
That is what God has done for us in Christ.
Jesus did not remain distant. He entered our broken world. He stepped into our pain. He took on our humanity so that He could carry our sin and bear our judgment.
The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Not God observing us. Not God tolerating us. Not God waiting for us to improve ourselves.
God with us.
And because He is with us, we are never alone.
Perhaps today you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, burdened by guilt, or weary from trying to hold everything together. Remember that the God who created the universe willingly entered His creation. The Savior who was laid in a manger is the same Lord who now reigns over heaven and earth.
He knows your struggles.
He understands your weakness.
He has not abandoned you.
The incarnation reminds us that God’s response to our brokenness was not distance but presence. His answer was not merely a command but a Savior.
Jesus is not simply an example to follow.
He is mercy made flesh.
Reflect: In what ways have you been trying to “climb” your way toward God through your own efforts? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus entered our world and understands our struggles firsthand?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into our world. Thank You that when we could not come to You, You came to us. Help me rest in Your grace rather than my efforts. Remind me today that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and that I am never beyond His love and care. Amen.