"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will
save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin
shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’
which is translated, “God with us.”" (Matthew 1:21-23 NKJV)
PONDER THIS!
There is a Christmas song that is played and sung every year during the Christmas
season that, supposedly, speaks of the joys of this time of year. The song is
entitled, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." The first verse goes like
this, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer." It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. It's the hap-happiest season of all, With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call. It's the hap - happiest season of all."
Unfortunately, for many, this song is not true. For many holiday times are the most
stressful, unhappy, depressing times of the year. Lost loved ones who were with us
last year but now have transitioned to the next life, financial wows and feelings of
loneliness and sorrow, fill many peoples lives during the holidays. For many, this
is not "hap - happiest season of all."
Yet, we must not forget that in the midst of all that we feel and all that we go
through, Jesus is still EMMANUEL, “GOD WITH US.” Don't ever forget that
God is still with you. He did not promise us that we would not experience certain
feelings or suffer through difficult times. Indeed, He told us that we would have
troubled times. But He also told us that He would never leave us. David said,
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for
you are with me."
1. How are you feeling this holiday season?
2. Are you letting the stress and pressure of the season cause you to forget the
promises of God?
3. Are you allowing the pain of the past to cause you to miss the blessings of
God all around you?
However you are feeling, whatever you are faced with, be assured today, you're
going to make it, because GOD IS STILL WITH YOU!