Emmanuel….God
is With Us
As we enter the season
of Advent, the recent events in Paris and other countries cause us to find a
balance between fear and joy. In the book of Matthew we are told the story of
Joseph and witness firsthand his fear when he hears Mary is pregnant with a
child that is not his. Of course Joseph was afraid. A woman pregnant with a child
out of wedlock was the target for severe punishment, but Joseph believed in the
presence of God. He took Mary for his wife and welcomed the Christ child.
While Joseph thought about these things, an angel of the Lord came
to him in a dream. The angel said, Joseph, descendent of David, don't be afraid
to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She
will give birth to a son, and you will name him, Jesus, because he will save
his people from their sins."
(Matthew 1: 20-21) New Century Version
As we make sense of the
fear in our world, remember Joseph's reaction to the angel's message. He
shows us we can trust God in the midst of great sorrow, fear, hardship, or
challenge. God provides reassurance to know no matter the issue, he is with us. Do
not be afraid; Emmanuel, God is with us.
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