Day Two
Day Two: The Name That Saves
Reading
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Devotional
"You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Seven hundred years after Isaiah's prophecy, God's promise took on flesh and blood. The angel didn't tell Joseph that Jesus would make life comfortable, guarantee prosperity, or eliminate problems. His mission was singular and profound: salvation from sin. Our deepest problem isn't political, economic, or social—it's spiritual. We are separated from God by sin, and no human effort can bridge that gap. Jesus came not merely as a good teacher or moral example, but as Savior. His name declares His purpose. Have you experienced the saving power of His name? The Hope of Advent is not in what you can do, but in what Jesus has already done.
Reflection
Have you personally received Jesus as Savior from your sins, or are you still trying to save yourself?
"You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Seven hundred years after Isaiah's prophecy, God's promise took on flesh and blood. The angel didn't tell Joseph that Jesus would make life comfortable, guarantee prosperity, or eliminate problems. His mission was singular and profound: salvation from sin. Our deepest problem isn't political, economic, or social—it's spiritual. We are separated from God by sin, and no human effort can bridge that gap. Jesus came not merely as a good teacher or moral example, but as Savior. His name declares His purpose. Have you experienced the saving power of His name? The Hope of Advent is not in what you can do, but in what Jesus has already done.
Reflection
Have you personally received Jesus as Savior from your sins, or are you still trying to save yourself?
Posted in Advent 2025: Hope
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