Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
One of my favorite memories growing up in West Virginia was waking up on Christmas morning and opening the door to the basement. Living in the mountains, most homes have finished basements and often, families will gather there and enjoy time together. My grandparents’ basement was this magical place where our family would start Christmas Day and open all our presents. Every year, I’d swing open the door and hurry down the stairs eager to see what presents had my name on them. I’d search for the biggest one in the stack and my heart would explode when I would find the one meant for me. I remember when I was five, seeing my brand-new bicycle in the stack! It was the perfect gift for me. That scene still plays over in my mind every Christmas season.
At Christmas, we celebrate the gift that our Heavenly Father gave us 2,000 years ago. Not only did that gift save us from our sins and provide the way for us to be made right with God, it also is a gift that is with us in every situation. You see, Immanuel means “God with us.” The God who is with us all the time. In the ups and the downs, the mountain tops, and the valleys. He knows everything you need, even before you ask him. And he is a Father who only gives good gifts. Let’s spend some time today reflecting on the gift that God has given you. This incredible gift has your name on it.
