“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23

To Mary, he was an unexpected baby and the son of the Most High.  Jesus was also her sweet firstborn baby who she loved and nurtured.

To Joseph, he was a son that he didn’t father, but received in obedience through faith because of a dream that was to be played out before his very eyes.

To the shepherds, he was Good News in a manger that they were told to go and see. They were the first to get to see him and then they went and told!

Elizabeth called Jesus “my Lord” when Mary walked into the room.

The wise men from the east who followed the star, came looking for a king to worship. He was worth a visit from a far land.

Herod perceived the newborn king as a threat and sought to kill him.

Ponder in your own life who Jesus is to you TODAY. We come up with great sounding, quick answers of who we know Jesus to be – what we’ve heard from others and what we’ve read. But think for a minute on who Jesus is to you right now, deep in your heart.

Is he a close friend and confidant that you talk to every day?

Does your heart overflow with gratitude for provisions from your Jehovah Jireh?

Is he your source of strength?

Healer?

Is he a distant acquaintance that you will get back to when there is a little more time? (we’ve all been there a few times)

One blogger often refers to him as KING. You can hear how she admires him with the words she writes.

A young lady struggling with self-image is learning that he is her peace and He shines brightly on her face.

A not-so-old widow says he is an awesome friend and confidant, one she can trust and a whole lot more.

The quiet one says he is her comforter.

“The strength holding me together” said a wife and mom who juggles a family and a job and aging parents and a lot more.

The brand new mom says he is an innocent, sinless baby. Perfect.

He is faithful to one who has never had a person be faithful to her.

Jesus is hope to the mom and peace to the little girl in the family that is struggling to hold it together some days.

He is our savior and our Lord. Our strength, wisdom, redeemer. The one who is closer than a brother. Revelation 1:5 says he loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. He is GOD WITH US. That thought… It’s almost more than a mind can grasp and such a comfort and cause for peace even in the most difficult of circumstances. We may have a daily change in our view of the Lord, and see him differently depending on our circumstances in life. In Hebrews 13:8, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How awe-inspiring is it that Jesus never changes and yet as our needs change each day, He already is sufficient to meet that need in our lives.

Remind yourself of who Immanuel is to you in this season of celebration. He is truly the reason and we do have cause to celebrate.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6