2020 – What a year! COVID-19. Pandemic. Riots. Economic downturn. Division. A Presidential election. This year has been one for the books, and most of us are ready for 2020 to be in the books of history. However, we must not allow this Christmas season to be eclipsed by all we have been through in our country.
Recently, the Holy Spirit reminded of the message of Christmas. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and succinctly defines Christmas’ meaning and message. Listen closely to this angel’s words: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins . . . Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us,” (Mt 1:21, 23). Two names, one message!
He is Immanuel – “God with us.” Jesus left the comfort of heaven and came down to this earth to live in the womb of a virgin. Jesus would be born in a stable in a manger. The Caesar was ruling, and Heaven’s child came into the world near animals. However, God came to live on earth for a distinct purpose – to be our Savior. The Jews were looking for the Messiah, the lion who would deliver them from Roman oppression. Jesus is the Lamb, though. He came to die for our sin. He shed His blood that would take away the sin of the world. We have a Savior. In 2020, we have a Savior; His name is Jesus. The Christmas message is the message a hurting world needs to hear.
He is with us. In days and times of isolation and quarantine, He is with us. In these politically tense times, He is with us. Tammie and I along with the state office staff wish you a “Merry Christmas.” Again, don’t let the problems of our day eclipse the message and hope Christmas brings. God bless you this season!