Key Thoughts and Scriptures:
Joshua 2 and 6 NIV Rahab’s Emmanuel story
- Rahab was an outsider to Israel in every way, culturally, morally, spiritually.
- But she had heard the stories of the Lord.
- In her belief, Emmanuel, God with us, met her in a city doomed for destruction and made her part of His family.
- Christmas reminds us no past is too dark, no shame is too great, and no person is too far gone for God’s redemption.
- Through faith, Rahab’s scarlet cord became a symbol of salvation, pointing us to the blood of Christ, who saves all who trust in Him.
Ruth’s Emmanuel Story:
- Ruth’s story began with deep sorrow.
- But she had come to know about the God of Israel, the true and living God who gives life.
- She left everything familiar behind to follow Naomi to Bethlehem.
- Because of her faith, God directed her steps to Boaz, a man of integrity and compassion.
- Ruth, a foreigner once outside the covenant, became part of the royal line leading to Christ Himself.
- At Christmas, we remember that Emmanuel, God with us, came not only for the chosen people of Israel, but for the outsider too.
- Ruth’s story invites us to see God’s love reaching beyond every barrier to welcome all who believe.
Bathsheba’s Emmanuel Story:
- Bathsheba’s early days with the king were marked by pain, betrayal, loss, and shame. Yet, even in her grief, God did not abandon her.
- In her tears, Emmanuel, God with us, drew near to comfort, to redeem and to restore.
- He transformed a story marked by shame into one of legacy and grace.
- And at Christmas, we’re reminded again, the God who came near still brings life out of sorrow and light into our darkest places.
Mary’s Emmanuel Story:
Luke 1-2 NIV …You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…
- And then we come to Mary, the young woman from Nazareth through whom every promise was fulfilled.
- Her obedience was not easy. She faced misunderstanding, gossip and great risk to her life.
- Yet she trusted that the God who called her would sustain her.
- And when the time came, she gave birth to Emmanuel, God with us, in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
- Mary’s story is the culmination of every longing cry, come, come, Emmanuel.
- Christmas proclaims God has come. Emmanuel is with us.
Links:
- O Come O Come Emmanuel
- Free Christmas Christmas devotionals-Emmanuel God With Us–In Her Story & His Story!
Connect with Us:
Website: HerGodStory.org
Website: SomebodyCares.org,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomebodyCaresAmerica/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/somebodycaresamerica
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/SomebodyCares
X: https://twitter.com/_SomebodyCares
Somebody Cares Prayer Line (855) 459-CARE (2273)
Want to help Widows and Orphans? Join our growing company of women meeting special needs of parentless children and nurturing their unique gifts so they can be ALL God has in mind for them! And help meet real needs of women who have given a lifetime of service to God! Support the Somebody Cares Widows and Orphan fund today!
Share this message with a friend and subscribe for weekly encouragement and inspiration!
You can also receive periodic ministry updates from Somebody Cares, and/or weekly Provoke-a-Thought emails, monthly teaching emails, or join our prayer team by signing up here!