Sent by God: The Messiah

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” – Matthew 1:22-23

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That is the story of Christmas– God’s love sent his Son Jesus Christ to provide salvation for all who believe.

The promise of a coming Messiah was well known to the people of Israel since it was spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. But the religious leaders’ preconceived ideas of the Messiah were so wrong that when he actually came, they didn't even recognize him as he stood before them. Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies about a coming king and deliverer. He was “Immanuel" (which means ‘God with us’). He was the One the Jewish leaders had been talking about their whole lives. Yet when he came, they missed their opportunity to experience salvation.

That’s also how we can miss God. We may have preconceived ideas about Christ and how he works in our lives. Thus, even as we say, “Where’s God?” we fail to realize that he’s right there working in love to accomplish his purposes for us. Oh Lord, open our hearts so we can trust you, though we don’t always understand your ways.