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The Wonder of With
- December 01, 2024 / Joshua Ott
Let’s be real—life moves fast. We’re busy, distracted, and constantly hit with more than we can handle. It’s so easy to lose that sense of wonder. But if we could just hit pause, we’d see something incredible: God is with us. Joseph felt it too—overloaded, overwhelmed, and facing the worst. But right in the middle of his mess, God showed up. With a plan. With a purpose. And with a promise: You’re not alone. That name Emmanuel? It’s more than just a Christmas word. It’s a promise that God is with us—through failure, through pain, through it all. Nothing can separate you from His love. His presence is the light that overcomes our darkness. Let that sink in. God is with you. He’s for you. And He keeps His promises.
KEY VERSES:
- Matthew 1:18-22
- Isaiah 7:4-8
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Losing Our Sense of Wonder
- Modern distractions and information overload diminish our ability to appreciate the wonder around us.
- Life’s busyness and pain can obscure our view of beauty and God’s presence.
- The Wonder of With: Emmanuel
- Matthew 1:18-23 - The story of Joseph and Mary.
- Joseph’s heartbreak upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy.
- God’s intervention through an angel’s message, revealing His miraculous plan.
- Jesus’ name: Common yet with an extraordinary purpose to save people from their sins.
- Connecting to Prophecy: Isaiah’s Message
- Background on Isaiah 7:4-8 - King Ahaz’s rebellion and God’s promise of Emmanuel.
- Despite Ahaz’s failure, God remains faithful, fulfilling His promises.
- Application: God’s Presence in Our Lives
- God is with us, even in our pain and confusion.
- His presence offers hope, direction, and purpose.
TALK ABOUT IT:
- What are some distractions in your life that make it hard to experience a sense of wonder?
- How does the story of Joseph’s obedience in Matthew 1:18-23 inspire you to trust God’s plan?
- Why is the name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," significant to you personally?
- In what ways has God’s presence been evident in your life during challenging times?
- What can we learn from King Ahaz’s rejection of God’s guidance in Isaiah 7-8?
- How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus was both common (human) and extraordinary (divine)?
- How can you share the hope and wonder of Emmanuel with others this Christmas season?
APPLY IT:
- Pause and reflect on the moments of wonder in your daily life.
- Read and meditate on Matthew 1:18-23 and Isaiah 7:4-8 to understand God’s promises.
- Trust in God’s plan, even when it feels unclear or painful.
- Practice gratitude by identifying ways God has shown His presence in your life.
- Encourage someone who may be struggling by reminding them that God is with them.
Born and raised in Schuylkill County, Josh is passionate about Grace being a church that reaches the entire county. He drives the vision, content, clarity, and leadership cohesion at our church. Josh loves old Harleys, fly-fishing, and Philly sports, but not nearly as much as a he loves spending time with his family.