But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:20-25 (ESV)
Promise: God promised a savior would be born of a virgin, dwell with man on earth and save his people from their sins.
Why is this promise important?
God’s character is revealed: His sovereignty, omnipotence, love, compassion, forgiveness and hope.
Promise provides me with: forgiveness through Jesus, His desire for a relation ship with me (dwelling with me), knowledge that God has a plan to save me which is through Jesus His son and God’s control and planning of events are to result in my salvation and his glory.
December 1 has a special significance for me as on this day in 1982 my daughter, Liz, arrived from Korea. She was a long awaited and longed for child that has brought me much love and joy these last 30+ years. Just like the children of Israel, I did not think the day would ever come that I would hold my own child. They had waited centuries for the Messiah, Jesus, to come and save them from their sins. They expected a king not a humble baby and many of them missed his arrival and the work he did on the cross. Don’t miss His coming this year. Look for Jesus and claim the promise of a savior this advent season. Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.“
Have a blessed day!
Linda
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