Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)
18  This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
19  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23  "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, "God with us."
24  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

WITH US in the flesh

• WITH US to SHOW us the HEAVENLY FATHER
  JN.14:19 - "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."

• WITH US to SENSE our HUMAN FRAILTIES
  HE. 4:15 - "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize..."

• WITH US to SACRIFICE for our HELLWORTHY FAILURES
  HE. 10:5 - "When Christ came...he said...'A body you prepared for me..."

WITH US in fellowship

• Consider the PROMISE of his PRESENCE with us
  MT. 28:20 - "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
  HE. 13:5 - "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

• Consider the POWER of his PRESENCE with us
  AC. 18:9-10 - "Do not be afraid...for I am with you..."
  HE. 13:6 - "We say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper...'"

  • with us in DIFFICULTIES and DISTRESSES and DISASTERS

  • with us in DISAPPOINTMENTS and DISCOURAGEMENTS

  • with us in DAILY DUTIES

  • with us in DYING and DEATH

WITH US forever

• Consider the PROMISE of a PERSONAL RETURN
  AC. 1:11 - "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you...will come back..."

• Consider the PROMISE of a POWERFUL REDEMPTION
  1TH. 1:10 - "Wait for his Son from heaven...who rescues us from the coming wrath."

• Consider the PROMISE of a PERMANENT RELATIONSHIP
  1TH. 4:17 - "We will be with the Lord forever."
  

Last Updated: December 31, 2007