Devotional - December 24, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 1: 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Being the host is tough, you make plans, buy the items you hope your guests will enjoy, and then wait.  If you are hosting a diner, while you wait, you sit and look at the table which is set.  The food you are serving is in pots on the stove being kept warm, or cold in the fridge, depending upon the dish.  Everything is ready, ...and then ...you wait.  The minutes seem like hours.  There is a strange anxiety in the air.  You worry about your guests liking what you prepared, will folks behave and be nice, did you forget something, will they back out and not come.  Two or three hours later, it's all over and your guests have left.  And, more often than not, it all went well.  Maybe a spilled drink, a bad joke or two, but all in all it went well.  But what if it didn't...  What if the guests don't show?  They don't call or pick up when you call.  You look out the window and feel your hopes rise when you see a car heading your way only to watch it pass by.  What's going on?  Is this a cruel joke...  No, your friends would not do that.  Was there an accident?  Did you get the date wrong?  Then comes the moment of truth, do you clear the table and put things away or continue to wait some more.  You really are looking forward to this gathering...  Israel was in a similar predicament.  They longed for the arrival of their Savior, their Messiah.  Their circumstances seemed to keep getting worse, but the heavens were silent.  They waited...  Many, if not most, stopped looking.  Better to deal with the issues at hand because things were getting out of hand.  Obviously, mistakes had been made and they needed to redefine who they were in the times they lived.  But, not all.  A few stayed steadfast and continued to believe what God had said, as God had said it.  Their Savior would arrive at the right time, no need for reinterpretation or changes.  They will be saved.  And, they were right.  It's hard not to let difficult circumstances sway the way we make decisions, but don't give up.  Our text today was given to Joseph after he finds out Mary was with child.  After hours of prayer and fretting, he decides discreetly, quietly, to address the matter with Mary so she will not bear any harsh consequences of getting pregnant, even though he knows it was not with him.  But in the midst of his confusion and dismay, a messenger from God, ...an angel comes and gives him the message from above.  The Immanuel (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14) was about to arrive and he would play a major part in His arrival.  Tonight we celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ.  And yes, you and I play a part in the mission of Jesus Christ.  Allow Jesus to be all He is said to be in your life.  Let not the disappointments, confusion, or waiting, wane away at your faith.  Instead rejoice and have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Pray with me..,  Holy God on this holy night fill and renew my spirit with Yours.  Receive my praise and thanksgiving for all You have provided.  You have been so good to me, to all the world.  You are my Savior.  Hear my prayers for my loved ones, especially as they celebrate this day too.  Grant them blessings wherever they may be.  We ask Your blessing on our church.  May we always carry forth the message of Jesus Christ in all we do, for it is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.   

God’s Peace,

Pastor Brian