S – Matthew 1:23 (CSB): See, the virgin will become pregnant 
and give birth to a son, 
and they will name him Immanuel, 
which is translated “God is with us.” 

O – The angel quoting Isaiah is reminding Joseph of an important part of the Christian beliefs.  700 yrs before, it was prophesied that God would be with us.  God himself would live amongst His people.

A – Two applications – 1.  Jesus not only experienced the good and bad of being human.  He is compassionate to our joys and wins.  He also knows our temptations and challenges.  So much that He paid the price for them on the cross. 

2.  God is still with us in the form of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus advocates for us in heaven with the Father but the Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher.  That makes God accessible to all people and not just those seeking the “man” as when Jesus was on earth.

R – Lord, I am grateful that you came to earth and experienced what I feel and think. Where you didn’t sin, you have grace because you know the pull of temptation and sin.  You know me.  I surrender all of it to the blood of Jesus for your forgiveness.  I invite your Holy Spirit to lead me to day so I can walk in your presence, power and compassion for others.