Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him 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 had 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).When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wifebut knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

Oh Lord, You are near to all who call on You in truth (Ps 145:18). We need You. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Immanuel – God with us. As we prepare for Lord’s Day worship, gather us, renew us, comfort us, and send us in the power of Your presence that the whole earth would be full of Your glory! Amen.