Welcome to the Prayers of Rest podcast. I'm your host, Asherita. And this episode is brought to you by

our Patreon prayer partners, whose financial support helped make this podcast possible. Even though

we've already passed the Advent season, the truths of Jesus' names remains timeless. So we're going

to continue our season based on unwrapping the names of Jesus.

And if you haven't already, it's not too late to order a copy and stash it with your Christmas ornaments

because 11 months from now, your future self will thank you when you open up the bin

and discover that you've already got your devotions for the season covered.

From one procrastinator to another, trust me, you'll be so glad you did.

As we begin, find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted

and take a deep breath as we enter into God's presence together.

Music presence together.

Our passage today comes from Matthew 1. The Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,

which means God with us.

Let's begin by reciting God's goodness.

Oh God, what a gift you've given us in Jesus, that you would be with us.

The very presence of God, walking the earth, taking on human flesh,

and becoming like one of those you've created.

God with us.

From the very beginning of time, your desire was that we would be with you

and that you would be with us, not just God

for us and not just God over us or God before us or God behind us, but God with us and within

us.

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