Matthew 11:2-20
Today's Advent Reading

This season of the year is often stressful, with cultural expectations like decorating, baking, Christmas shopping (and mailing packages), sending Christmas cards, and entertaining. As a result, we may not get all the sleep we need and our immune systems may become depressed. If love ones are not present at Christmas due to death or a move, our sadness can overwhelm us. We may throw our hands up in the air, bah-humbugging the season, and forget about the real meaning of Christmas--perhaps even have doubts about our faith.

When John the Baptist, who was the one to tell of Jesus coming ministry and salvation, was imprisoned, he wondered if Jesus was really the one he had proclaimed he was. Jesus reassured John (through the friends John had sent), saying, the "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. ⁶Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (vs 5-6, NIV).

We do not need to have doubts in our Savior. We are free to express them, but he answers them with his loving assurance and presence every time. In the midst of the season, if we doubt that Jesus is really with us, we can turn to his Word or look into our hearts and see evidence of him there. He is truly Immanuel--God With Us.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:40 AM