Sermon: Joy- Thursday's Devotional

Emmanuel—God With Us
Reading: Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 9:2-7

"God with us" is not merely a historical fact—it's a present reality. The darkness Isaiah prophesied about isn't just ancient history; it's the darkness we still face today. Yet the promise remains: light has dawned. Jesus didn't come just to visit; He came to dwell among us and, through His Spirit, within us. Where do you need God's Presence today? In your loneliness? Your confusion? Your grief? Emmanuel means you're never alone. God hasn't distanced Himself from your pain; He entered fully into human experience. Take time today to acknowledge His presence in your current situation. He's not waiting in heaven for you to get it together—He's right here, right now, in your mess.