Advent Day Eighteen

Matthew 1:22-23

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

We love to read this scripture during this time of year.  We get comfort from the understanding that “God is with us.”  But I believe that we miss the most encouraging part of this scripture.  “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet.”  This wonderful event took place, it happened, and it was fulfilled.  It took place to satisfy what the Lord said through His prophet.  Do you know what this means?  It means that the Lord knows, He planned it out and allowed or caused it to take place.  This should give us great comfort and joy to know that throughout history our God has everything under control.  

Why do we fear the unknown when we know the unknown?  Because our LORD has made the unknown known.  When we chose to follow Christ and live for Him, we have chosen life.  We make the mistake in thinking that this life is right now, but the beginning of real life is when we died to self and live for Him and when this mortal body dies and is made new.  We have so many great things to look forward to.  So don’t let the things of this world distract you from the awe and wonder that is to come.

Revelation 21:3-4

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”