On Christmas Eve in 1968, Apollo VIII became the first manned vehicle to circle the moon. Because it was nearly Christmas, the 3-man crew was asked to say something appropriate to mark their historic mission. From thousands of miles in outer space, Genesis 1:1-10 was broadcast to earth: “In the beginning God . . .” In his autobiography Countdown, Frank Bowman, one of the three Apollo VIII astronauts, explains why they read from the Scriptures: “There was one more impression we wanted to transmit: our feeling of closeness to the Creator of all things.”
Judah was threatened by an Israel-Syria alliance (Isaiah 7:1-2). Assured of God’s presence, power, and protection, the prophet Isaiah told King Ahaz, “This invasion will never happen” (Isaiah 7:4-9). But Ahaz was required to trust in the Lord. God invited Ahaz to ask for a sign to confirm His promise of deliverance. The king refused, for he wasn’t interested in trusting God (Isaiah 7:10-12). Instead, he turned to Assyria for help (2 Kings 16:5-9). Ahaz placed his hope of salvation in human power rather than in the power of almighty God.
Even so, God offered Ahaz a sign: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (Isaiah 7:14). “Immanuel” speaks of a powerful God who seeks to draw near to His people. At a critical moment in Judah’s history, Ahaz refused to trust in the One who could truly save him.
God’s promise of His presence is for us too. And Christmas declares that God’s promise is fulfilled (Matthew 1:22-23). This Christmas, let’s make the promise personal, declaring, “Immanuel—God is with me!”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Titus 3:1-11
More:
Read Matthew 1:18-25 to see how the birth of Jesus fulfills God’s promise to be with us.
Next:
What does it mean for you to know that God is with you? Why is it vital that you place your trust in Him today?
Gary Shultz on December 15, 2015 at 6:17 am
It is of great importance that God has chosen to be with us, in Spirit, in truth, and in promise. We have been extended a grace that allows us to walk and accept God being with us in this life where we do not see, yet experience the fullness of God’s presence. Thank you, may your Christmas be blessed.
Tom Felten on December 15, 2015 at 8:47 am
So true, Gary. What an amazing thing it is that God came to be with us and is with us today! When we grasp this truth, it affects how we view all of life.
sandy229 on December 15, 2015 at 9:23 am
Thank you for your comments! It is truly a blessing to read them every day!
caroleannestantonhochstetler on December 15, 2015 at 8:17 am
I am especially aware in the morning of the breath in my body as I awake. So before my feet touch the floor, I give thanks for guiding me through the night, and the very breath in my body. At sixty-eight years old now, one comes to understand how very faithful and gracious God is to me each day. What I strive to be mindful, in the moment, God reminds me of doing my tasks in His strength, and not my own. Because I truly do want to do each task cheerfully, gratefully, to bring the honor and glory he deserves. In those times I begin to rush ahead of myself, reminding myself of his Spirit within me, slowing my pace to keep focused on what God has to show me in the task. I pray for whoever is reading this right now, to be blessed with God’s Best for the day. It is a gift after all.
Tom Felten on December 15, 2015 at 8:52 am
Thanks so much for sharing, Carole Ann. I have a friend who often prays, “Thank you God for our next breath, for without You we wouldn’t have it or life itself.” I love your thoughts on ways that you strive to live out a truly Spirt-filled life. May God bless you this Christmas!
sandy229 on December 15, 2015 at 9:26 am
Thank you so much for your comment! You are a blessing to me! I am 63 and I can truly relate!
Mike Wittmer on December 15, 2015 at 11:28 am
It is interesting that the child Immanuel meant judgment for King Ahaz but salvation for anyone who trusts in God rather than human strength. “God with us” will mean either judgment or salvation, depending on our response.
jim spillane on December 15, 2015 at 12:01 pm
this may be just a minor thing, but I hope the spelling of the astronaut’s name was just a typo because it’s Borman, not Bowman. Sorry.