The Son of God

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 1:18-25. Matthew records the birth of Jesus and shows that Jesus is the Son of God conceived from the Holy Spirit. An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and says, "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 his will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20b-21). Jesus is the fulfillment of what was written by the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is Immanuel or God with us. Jesus came to remedy our greatest need, salvation from sin. In Adam, all of humanity is born under the curse and is a sinner by nature and by choice. We need outside help and salvation from our rebellion and self-centeredness. We pray that we would not move on from the daily, present, experience that our greatest need has been met in Jesus. We pray that it would lead to a life of gratitude and joy. In and out of the Advent season may we encourage each other to not get distracted or forget Jesus of Nazareth, our Immanuel.