ADVENT DEVOTIONS FOR FAMILY AND PERSONAL WORSHIP

Read Matthew 1:22-23

... and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."

Dr. Ferris Jordan was a professor of mine while in Seminary. He was diagnosed with cancer early in the fall of 1981, a diagnosis which not only alarmed his family, but shocked the seminary campus as well. Prayers were said as students and faculty members interceded on his behalf prior to his cancer treatments. Just before the Christmas Holiday break, Dr. Jordan stood in the Seminary Chapel to address the entire student body during chapel service.

With grace and dignity this man of God, somewhat weakened by the disease which had touched his life, stood and proclaimed that the name, Immanuel, God with us, had taken on a deeper meaning to him during those difficult days.

I hope that you never have to experience anything so tragic and threatening as cancer to discover the presence of the LORD in your life. It's great to know that He's there in such times, but remember, He's there in the good times too. Advent celebrates the birth long ago, the presence today, and the anticipated second coming of our Saviour. If you really need to sense Immanuel in an area of your life, pray now, trusting that God is with you.