Emmanuel, God is with Us!

The name Emmanuel, (or Immanuel) comes from Hebrew, and means God is with us. He is not sitting in heaven with a pointing finger, watching and waiting to criticize and judge. He is with us! He is for us! Jesus laid aside His divinity, to come to the earth as a humble baby, and become the sacrifice we needed. Through Him, we are saved, cleansed and united with the Father. He is the God who makes a way for us. He is the redeemer. Isaiah wrote about Jesus 700 years before His birth. As we draw close to Christmas, let us also draw close to the Savior, born in a manger.

Isaiah 7:14 ESV “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Isaiah 53:4- 5 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

As we are enveloped with the music, the presents, the food, and the celebrations of Christmas, let us remember with joy that God is with us. He is our Savior in whatever area of life we have a need. Let's turn our hearts to the Savior, not just the trimmings of the season! It is so easy for our hearts and our minds to be consumed with the recipes and the wrapping paper. There are so many activities and preparations as we draw close to family and friends at this time of year. Yet, we need Emmanuel, the God who is with us in our busyness, our turmoil, or our loneliness. He is the source of the love, grace, and forgiveness we may need to carry with us to a family get-together. He is the God who intercedes for us as we approach the difficult person or the difficult situation ahead. Let us draw near! Let’s seek His presence and be filled with His Spirit. He is with us and is in us! We can carry His presence to every event. We can magnify the Lord in this season, by walking in the victory that He holds for us. He is Emmanuel, and He is with us each step, if we call upon His name.

Hebrews 7:24-25 “…but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercessions for them.”

Jesus himself, is interceding for you. He is championing your cause. You can choose to carry His presence and His grace. The season does not need to run you ragged and deplete your peace. Let’s hide God’s word in our hearts during this season, so we can reflect His love and His peace to others. Let’s fill our hearts with His presence so we are overflowing with His Spirit. ‘Tis the season to be jolly- full of the joy of the Lord.

Merry Christmas!