Isaiah 63:7-9 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 63:7-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Verse 8For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely"; and he became their savior Verse 9in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Devotion
Even though Christmas is generally a time of great joy, there are many who feel pain around the holidays. For some, this might be the first Christmas they are facing after the death of a loved one. For others, who are living in the midst of broken relationships, Christmas can be hard. In the midst of difficulties we all long to hear the same words of promise: "I am here for you. You are not alone."
These are the same words of promise we hear through the prophet, who reminds us that it was not a messenger or an angel but the very presence of God that saved God's people. This incarnational presence comes to completion in the birth of Jesus who is Emmanuel¨—God with us. Even though we as humanity are broken, the promise of God's presence in all things comes to life through the Christ-child. God is here. We are not alone.
Prayer
Emmanuel, we pray for your presence to be felt in all corners of the world. May we come to trust once again and believe that nothing can separate us from the love of our savior. In his precious name we pray. Amen.