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Key Bible Verse: All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "He will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)" (Matthew 1:23). Bonus Reading: Romans 5:5b-11

I was standing next to my father's casket, feeling numb. Family members and friends were milling about, talking about how seldom they see each other, how death sneaks up without warning. The crowd was thin. A lot of my father's friends were already dead. Today, it was Dad's turn to leave. I was heartbroken.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, a surprise. My friend Doug Melvin walked in. A long-time colleague, he was uncharacteristically well dressed, tie and all. He had driven 161 miles, one-way, for my father's funeral visitation.

"Thanks for coming, Doug," I said as he walked up. "I had no idea you'd be here."

"I'm sorry about your dad," Doug said. "I can't stay long, but I wanted to be here for you." He stayed awhile, then silently slipped out. Doug drove six hours that day to say "I love you" with his presence.

The Christ-child also arrived when the world least expected him. An angel assured Joseph about his fiancé e, "The child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. … He will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Like Doug, Jesus didn't stay long. But, as both God and man, He offered something even more remarkable: faithful friendship, forever.

—Cliff Denay Jr. in Michigan

My Response: I'll thank God for being "Immanuel" in my life.

Thought to Apply: Incarnation is God's promise to be a committed participant with us in our living.—W. Paul Jones

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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