Read: Matthew 1:18-25

“The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (v. 23)

As Christians we believe that Christ, who always was God, also became sinless man, by a unique miracle of the Holy Spirit. Matthew’s Gospel testifies to the virgin birth of Jesus as a striking fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Matt. 1:23; see Isa. 7:14).

When “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14), when Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, our heavenly Father gave believers a gift to bring us joy! This wonderfully unique gift was something like a lesser gift once given to me and to my wife.

It was a lasting gift received many years ago, and yet, still as beneficial as when it was given. The giver of this gift was Betsy, a loving, smiling Christian believer and church member. Her gift was plain yet beautiful. My slippers were skillfully knit from tan, brown, and rust-colored yarn, my wife’s from a well-blended assortment of white and blue-colored yarn. The slippers not only kept our feet and ankles warm but also warmed our hearts whenever we remembered Betsy, the kindhearted giver of this gift.

What an incomparable gift, when God’s only Son was born for us!

Prayer:

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

Author: John Tousley

https://woh.org/

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Therefore encourage one another with these words. (v. 18)

My mother died when I was 7, and my sister died when I was 15. Of course I had a full range of emotions including anger and fear. But my faith and resolve have actually been solidified through times of loss. The verses referenced today were used by the pastor who officiated at my sister’s funeral. They have been marked in my Bible all these years, and often I have revisited them. I have been acquainted with death many other times, as my dad, other relatives, and friends passed away. Each loss has brought very painful times. Yet I believe there is no greater comfort for those still living on earth than to know where their loved one has gone.

Death cannot have the final say in the life of a believer; instead, it is a passage into a much greater life. When someone dies we grieve, but we do not have to “grieve as others do who have no hope” (v. 13). The great promise is that Jesus secured our salvation by his death and resurrection.

Despite the pain of loss when those I held close died, I want to communicate hope for those who go through similar situations. The stages of grief are normal and natural, and the Lord will draw near to all who call to him in times of loss. Yet we can also envision that wonderful scene of being caught up together with our loved ones in the arms of our Lord on the final day.

Prayer:

Eternal Life, thank you for your beautiful promises.

Author: Myrna Folkert

https://woh.org/