Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years prior to the event that, ”a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). In miraculous manner the child would be conceived, like no one before, nor any after.

Then this prophecy was fulfilled, not in splendor, but in humble circumstances.

His parents were not royalty, but a carpenter and his betrothed.

The one who would be called “God with us” was not born in regal fashion, but in a barn where He was laid in an animal feeding trough. His crib was not of gold and fine linen, but of wood and hay.

The Lord of glory lay aside His majesty, and took the form of man, all so He could give His life “a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28).

Let us remember today this reason we celebrate, and give Him the honor and glory He deserves.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, December 25

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Let us today go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi, let us see Him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in Him, and can sing, "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Jesus is Jehovah incarnate, our Lord and our God, and yet our brother and friend; let us adore and admire. Let us notice at the very first glance His miraculous conception. It was a thing unheard of before, and unparalleled since, that a virgin should conceive and bear a Son. The first promise ran thus, "The seed of the woman", not the offspring of the man. Since venturous woman led the way in the sin which brought forth Paradise lost, she, and she alone, ushers in the Regainer of Paradise. Our Saviour, although truly man, was as to His human nature the Holy One of God. Let us reverently bow before the holy Child whose innocence restores to manhood its ancient glory; and let us pray that He may be formed in us, the hope of glory. Fail not to note His humble parentage. His mother has been described simply as "a virgin," not a princess, or prophetess, nor a matron of large estate. True the blood of kings ran in her veins; nor was her mind a weak and untaught one, for she could sing most sweetly a song of praise; but yet how humble her position, how poor the man to whom she stood affianced, and how miserable the accommodation afforded to the new-born King!

Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour.