Immanuel - God with us

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus was given many names. Each of these names reflects a different facet of His character and helps us understand who He really is. Of all the names that were given to Him, none brings more comfort to my heart than Immanuel—God with us. Immanuel gives me the assurance that God is with me all the time. In my joy and in my sorrow.

The name Immanuel was recorded in Matthew 1:22-23 "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us.'".
The angel was telling Mary and Joseph that the child she would bear would be God Himself coming down to live among men. By the way, Matthew 1:22-23 is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise in Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

Do you believe that God is with us all the time? We turn to God quickly during our time of sorrow and despair. Unfortunately, many times, we forget about Him in times of joy and rejoicing. Although He promise to be with us, we mostly seek for Him when we are in trouble, in fear or in struggle. If God is the giver of joy and He is "God with us," then He must want to share in those moments of great joy - and even those times of silly laughter and fun. Bible scholars tell us that the when the Bible speaks of God dwelling among men it literally means “He pitched His tent” among us. It literally means that He came to live right where we do.

As we approach Christmas in 9 days time, let us remember - "Immanuel ... God with us." What more does Christmas need to be to me? To you? All we need is Jesus. He is more than enough this Christmas. Let us ask him to help us focus less on our holiday agendas, as we spend more time at his feet worshiping Christ, our King.

Be Blessed.