Devotional Thought

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’).”

-Matthew 1:22–23

Christmas is often filled with memories of gifts—some memorable, some forgotten in a box somewhere. But the first Christmas brought a gift unlike any other: a gift that never fades, never breaks, and never becomes outdated. Jesus, the promised Messiah, arrived as the fulfillment of centuries-old prophecy—a divine intervention intentionally woven into human history long before any of us were born.

The sermon reminds us that God “called His shot” hundreds of years in advance. Through Isaiah, Micah, and dozens of other prophets, God foretold the place, manner, and purpose of Jesus’ arrival. These weren’t coincidences; they revealed the heart of a God who moves toward His people, who orchestrates redemption, and who keeps His word with unfailing precision.

And this same God still intervenes today.

The wise men sought Jesus, bowed before Him, and offered their treasures. They gave not out of obligation but out of honor, joy, and recognition of who He truly is—King, Priest, and Savior.

1. How does the reliability of Scripture and God’s long-term planning strengthen your trust in Him today?

2. Jesus’ birth is described as God’s intentional intervention in human history. Where have you seen God intervene—subtly or dramatically—in your own story?

3. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” What does it mean for you personally that God is with, for, and in you?

4. The wise men gave generously without expecting anything in return. How does their model challenge your view of generosity during the Christmas season?

5. Where do you feel pressure to remain quiet about your faith? What might bold-yet-gracious witness look like in your context?

6. The wise men followed God’s guidance across great distance. When has God prompted you toward obedience—whether through Scripture, conviction, or circumstance—and what was the outcome?

7. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolized Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death. In this season, what “gift” is God inviting you to bring Him—time, trust, forgiveness, generosity, repentance, attention?