For You From The Word
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23, NIV)
For You To Think About
Advent, meaning “coming” or “appearance,” is the season leading up to Christmas. It’s a time when we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ and look forward to His reappearance. In many Christian traditions, the second week in Advent focuses on love.
God promised His people a sign of His great love. The birth of Jesus fulfills that promise. The baby boy born to Mary was to be called “Immanuel,” which translates as “God With Us.”
A woman who faces an unplanned pregnancy may not experience the loving presence of a partner, family, or friends. While others run away from her, God runs to her – away from the splendor and brilliance – to love her and be with her.
Sometimes He uses you and me to be His presence.
We love because He first loved us. God left the inconceivable magnificence of heaven and took on the form of a human – to be with us. He became a baby, completely dependent on human parents for provision – to be with us. He came to one of earth’s poorest places – to be with us.
Immanuel is a promise of God’s loving presence – of God with us. Through us. God with her.
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing Your great love for us by coming to earth as a baby. Place me in the path of a woman, partner, or family who faces an unplanned pregnancy. Let me show Your love and reflect the truth that you are Immanuel – God with us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More Advent Devotionals for Pregnant Women
How One Woman Responded to an Unplanned Pregnancy
What To Do When Pregnancy Is a Surprise
Maternity Homes: a Safe Haven for Pregnant Women