21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21
God has been working all this time for this moment, and He isn’t stopping here. A Savior has been promised to us. God is aware of what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do. He always knows why.
We read our Bible this morning, and we don’t always connect that with us being a part of the story. He knows why you were born, why He chose the exact time, and why He still has you here today. Just like in the Old Testament, He is working right now in your life—both in you and in those around you.
Be encouraged today as we start Advent together. We have hope in a Savior who has come to take away our guilt and shame and make us new. Now we begin the countdown to the day of His birth! What will He do? What will He say to us? Today is the day to find out—ask Him.
God, thank You for having it all planned out better than we could ever imagine. You take care of us and never leave us in our darkest times. How could we not fall on You? You have set it all in motion for this very reason.
This isn’t just another Advent we are starting—this is the day that You have made. We rejoice and are glad in it. Forgive us, for we have turned from You. Lead us back so we are no longer lost, wandering around in this world.
Jesus, lead us and protect us from the snares of this world. We lift up all those who are hurting today for you to heal. Be with us.
In Your name we pray. Amen.