Our Constant Star: Advent Day 10

Read & Journal

Read Matthew 1:18-25. Use the following journal prompts to meditate on what you’ve read:

• Reflecting on the deep theological truths you learned about Jesus in last week’s reading, what does this passage reveal about Jesus, his character or his mission?

• Read Isaiah 7:14 in your Bible. This was a Messianic promise Joseph would have been familiar with as a Jewish man. Why is it important that Matthew points to this passage in today’s reading? What does it teach us about who Jesus is and why he came?

• Names are often important in Scripture. Reflect on the meanings of “Jesus” and “Immanuel” outlined in these verses. Why are these names so important? What do they teach you about why Jesus came?

• Reflect on your salvation. Journal a prayer, expressing your thanks to Jesus for saving you from your sins.

• How has Jesus been your Immanuel? Praise him for specific instances you’ve recognized this week, this month or this year.

Ponder

One precious truth outshines the sun:

Salvation comes from You alone.

Your parents probably chose your name for a reason. Maybe it was to honor a beloved family member or mentor, perhaps it was because they loved the name’s meaning and hoped you would come to embody those qualities or characteristics.

Likewise, God had a reason when he told Joseph that Mary’s son was to be named Jesus. As we learned yesterday, the name Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation.” Or, to put it simply, God saves. “This child is your Savior, the Messiah,” the angel seemed to be telling Joseph in that dream. “The whole reason he is coming into the world is to save people from their sins.”

Next, the angel reminded Joseph of a familiar Messianic prophecy from Isaiah that contained another name: Immanuel. A title meant for the Messiah, the name Immanuel simply means “God with us.” Mary’s son was the long-awaited Messiah, the one the prophets had promised, the Savior Joseph and the Jewish people had been seeking. In this child—fully God and fully human—God would make his home among his people. The Word was becoming flesh, and Joseph would have a front row seat to all that God was doing.

Jesus didn’t come just to make us nicer people or make our lives easier. He came to save us from our sin—and he is the only way we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Without him, we are hopelessly enslaved to sin, and we cannot break its bondage on our own. In the dark, hopelessness of our sin, our Savior has come near. When we could not reach out to him, he reached out to us. A bright promise glitters in a dark world. Jesus is our salvation.

Thanks be to God.