God With Us
In Matthew’s gospel the angel comes to Joseph and makes an astonishing announcement that the child his bride to be is carrying is indeed from the Holy Spirit. Referring to Mary he said, “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) – Matt 1:21-23. The mystery and marvel of the incarnation is a wonder to behold. That God would enter into our world is beyond amazement. Jesus is the one who make the invisible God visible – the eternal God entering into time – the ever-present God is with us locally in flesh and blood – the all-powerful God is with us in our weakness and shares in the limitations of our humanity. But not only is God with us he is for us. Jesus comes to reveal the holy Father. He comes to redeem sinful man. He comes to build His eternal kingdom and makes it possible for us to be a part of it through his death, burial and resurrection. God came to be with us so that we could forever be with Him. As you celebrate this Christmas season, may the wonder of the Incarnation fill you with hope, love, peace and joy. – Dr. Gary Mathes