MORNING MANNA         12/23/19

“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.” – Matt. 1:23

Of all the words associated with Christmas perhaps none is so telling as “Emmanuel” – “God with us”. That describes Christmas in a word. Yet that is contrary to the feelings of many troubled souls who feel as though they are all alone. While some sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” others feel it is the very worst. They feel that way for a variety of reasons — loss of a loved one, poor health, poverty, troubled relationship, loneliness, etc. They are miserable rather than merry. As they hear others singing “Joy to the world” it seems like a mockery of their misery. They are overwhelmed by the feeling that no one knows, cares, or is able to help. They are troubled by their trials, swallowed up with sadness, in a dark pit of depression.

You could say that is an apt description of this sinful world. But upon such a pitiful picture as that God steps on the scene and announces that “Emmanuel” is coming. He wants  us to know that we are not alone, not forgotten, and not without help. He Himself is coming, has come, to rescue us. That’s the Christmas story – God coming to man to meet his deepest needs and satisfy his greatest desires. In that one word we find the assurance of aid, the answer for afflictions, and the acknowledgement of affection. That’s the Christmas story. He came to us, to give Himself for us, to be with us.