21 December 2020

Immanuel God with us

“God’s Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it is an extremely practical gift – one you’ll use every day for the rest of your life. – Rick Warren

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

God is and always has been with us. He is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere all the time. Jesus come to do the Father’s will. He came to represent God, the Father, so that we would know what it is like to have God with us, as the name Immanuel defines.

Colossians 1:15 (NKJV) “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”

“Immanuel” means you are never alone or without His presence.

Hebrews 13:5b-6 (NKJV) “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

What an amazing gift Jesus has given to us. He always accompanies us, empowers us, encourages us, is with us through every moment of every day.

Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT) “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NLT) “Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. 24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.

"God with Us" Changes Everything.

Because of Jesus, Emmanuel, we never have to be alone. We never have to wonder how to please God or worry if our efforts aren’t enough. We can simply rest knowing He is with us, in us, loves us, and will never leave us.

This Christmas, may we all enjoy the gift of Emmanuel.