Jesus' birth is foretold in Isaiah 7:13-17, but it is difficult to understand how this "sign" would have meant much in the eighth century before Christ. The Apostle Matthew understood this and used this text to help us understand the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:22-23: “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).”

Psalm 113 reveals God's character to us. God wants all people to recognize his goodness and return praise and thanks to him!

Mary received great news and responded with humble obedience. She would give birth to her Messiah! (Luke 1:26-45).

The point for us, as it was for Mary, is that the time of waiting is over! What should we be thinking as we hear the Christmas stories? Where can we say “yes!” to God as we move into this Christmas season? We were created to show God’s love and kindness within this world. Where can we say “yes!” to God as we move into the New Year?