The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23

It’s the day after Christmas. Family is still around. Meals were cooked. Presents were opened. It’s a week before the beginning of a new year. Now what?

I am still puzzled and amazed at the phrase “God with us.” Throughout the day, throughout the week, throughout the rest of the year, this will be the phrase to remember. Earlier we asked why, and what was He thinking, but we should just stop to consider that phrase: God with us.

For 33 years, God was with us in human form. Prior to that he appeared to men and women as an Angel of the Lord. After his short time on earth, the Holy Spirit or the Comforter came to dwell with us.

If you meditated on this one phrase when you’re lonely or afraid or depressed or in need of encouragement, how would that change your thinking? Would it revolutionize your prayer life to know that when you pray, God is indeed with us? When you talk to someone about Christ, does it matter if in the back of your mind this phrase comes to the forefront?

Through the rest of the week, memorize this “Christmas” verse. Meditate on it, roll it around in your head. You’ll be glad you did.