26th December

Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give hime the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" Mattew 1, 21 - 23

Emmanuel, God with us

As an example Isaiah predicted this event 800 years before the aera of Jesus Christ. This prophet understood the greatness and the holiness of the Creator; this is why God could announce to him some elements of his plan to save humanity. When we discover the exactness of Isaiah's prophecies we are amazed in noticing how God took care of his revelations of his projects of love, salvation and peace for us.

For example, is it not astonishing that the chosen name in advance for him who was sent by God, Immanuel, already means "God with us?" The same thought is found at the birth of Jesus. The name of Jesus means: "God Saviour."

When God became man, the Lord Jesus fulfilled the prophecy: he has all godly characters and so he approached men. Although the world did not receive him, he maintains his promise towards them who trust him: before he went to heaven he declared: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28, 20). This promise is still valid for them who trust him.