Encouragement, Hope and Truth
With the Christmas season upon us, the atmosphere around us changes. Lights shine bright, decorations occupy homes, places of business, and churches. Christmas songs fill the air and “Christmas classics” come on T.V. At the same time, Christians start preparing to celebrate when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ was/is the Word John chapter one is referring to. Matthew chapter one verses 20-23 records that the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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 has 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).”
The name given to Jesus - Immanuel, meaning “God with us” was prophesied by Isaiah about 700 years before Jesus was born (Isaiah 7:14). The fulfillment of this prophecy has the opportunity to usher into every human heart encouragement, hope and truth.
Even though this time of year has a special cheer about, there are many people are are feeling weary or alone. The truth of Immanuel though assures us that God has not remained distant. He stepped into the world He created, took on flesh, shared our struggles, and redeemed our brokenness. That is our encouragement: we are never abandoned, because He came to dwell among us—and within us. Every person has an opportunity to experience this when they believe in Jesus Christ.
From the truth of Immanuel springs forward an unshakable hope. If God was faithful to draw near once, He will never leave us now. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 says in part, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The writer of Hebrews was referring to Old Testament promises for God’s people (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:2), and that promise still holds true today. God’s presence turns fear into faith and sorrow into songs of joy. The birth of Christ reminds us that our hope is not a temporary feeling—it rests in the living God who entered His creation and makes us a new creature when we believe in believe in His Son.
This Christmas, may we rest in the promise of Immanuel. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him! Therefore, in every quiet moment and every act of worship, remember that God is still with us—bringing encouragement for today, hope for tomorrow, and truth that never changes.