THE PREGNANT VIRGIN!

Today’s Reading Matthew 1-2

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The Nativity Church in Bethlehem built over the grotto where Jesus was born. On the ceilings hang chandeliers and on the walls are fragments of mosaic. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built by Constantine’s mother in the 4th century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530’s. It was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim’s rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.

Key Verse:  Matthew 1:23

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name “Immanuel,” translated, “God with us.”

*God was with Joseph, who was instructed to marry Mary.
*God was with the Wise Men, who were told to bypass King Herod.
*God was with Mary and Joseph when they were told to seek refuge in Egypt.

When all is well, it’s easy to believe “God with us.” When there’s trouble, believe with child-like faith. Whether we feel like it or not, BELIEVE IT! IT’S A FACT!!! God is consistent. He is “IMMANUEL!!!” That kind of solid faith will release the love and provision of Immanuel into our lives and circumstances.

“Immanuel” Quotes:

“I am with you always.” – JESUS (Matthew 28:20)

“Abide in Me and I in you.” – JESUS (John 15:4)

“I will never leave you.” – GOD (Hebrews 13:5)

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I thank You, God, that You are with me always. Please forgive me for my sin and wrong that I have done. I give my life to You for always. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

NOW, please tell someone about that prayer you just prayed to receive Jesus. Call our prayer line toll-free in Canada and the U.S. at 1-866-273-4444 or email us at ministry@crossroads.ca.

100 Personal Words (plus a few more) from David Mainse:

Why 100? That number says to me “Immanuel.” I had been hosting a weekly TV show called Crossroads from 1962 to 1977 when I saw the building at 100 Huntley Street in Toronto. The sun was glinting off the stainless steel street number 100. Suddenly, I knew why (over the preceding weeks) when I would open my Bible at random, my eyes would fall on the number 100. For example, “100 fold” in Jesus’ parable of the sower, or the 100th verse of the 119th Psalm. Even page 100 in my Bible would show up. I knew that it was time to move from the weekly show to daily. My wife, Norma-Jean, was the producer of Crossroads and it took me several days before I ventured to tell her that I wanted to name the new show after the address of the studio in downtown Toronto. Now, over 10,000 daily shows later, approximately 17,000 people have shared their stories on TV.  Millions of calls have come through to the 24/7 prayer lines. Many of these have personally experienced “Immanuel,” opening their minds to believe and their hearts to receive. Call and talk with God together with a prayer partner…a caring, loving, non-judgmental person. The phone number is 1-866-273-4444. If you should get a busy signal, try again. 

Yours for sharing Immanuel with others,

David

P.S. We also have a video version of my blog (a “blog”). It’s a 2-minute version which will air regularly during breaks in the YES TV schedule. You can also watch it daily on the Crossroads streaming platform “Castle” by clicking HERE.