Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
Immanuel…. God with us. This is what we celebrate
on Christmas and what has the power to transform everything we experience
throughout the year. Immanuel was a promise to the Israelites that the promised
Messiah would come, and with Jesus’ coming that promise was extended to all who
would believe and follow Him.
“’Go, therefore, and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,
I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
God with us. For those who believe, there is no
greater promise or joy. Jesus is with us- in our coming and our going, when we
rise and when we lie down, through the highs and our deepest lows, when
celebrating and in our sorrow, whether in a crowd or when we feel so very
alone. The very same Jesus who has all the power and might, knowledge and authority,
compassion and grace, love and patience, peace and life we have seen through
His previous names- He is with us in anything and everything we may face.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to
you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
God is with us. He showed this to us in the most
tangible way possible- by sending His son to live and walk amongst us,
experiencing all we face and thereby allowing Him to relate to us in a way that
was unheard of before or since. He came to teach and to guide and eventually
offer Himself as the sacrifice needed to absolve us of our sins, so that we
might take His righteousness as our own in order to enter the very presence of
God. He came so that we would never have to be alone again.
“The Word became flesh and took up residence among
us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
God with us. God came to earth that we might have
the opportunity to be with God forever. In the midst of all the joy and
celebration of this day, I pray you take time to be quiet and rest in the
presence of our Immanuel.
More verses for study:
Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalms 23:4, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 8:38-39
Thank you Lord! Thank you for sending Your son.
Thank you for loving us when we aren’t lovable. Thank you for never leaving us but
choosing us and pursuing us with your incredible love. Thank you for always
being with us.
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