Immanuel

Last night we went with the Reed family to the Christmas program at Highlands. We enjoyed the singing, the message, and the candlelight conclusion. Pastor Chris talked about Jesus's names. I have never really thought about how the Christmas story really begins with God telling Mary and Joesph that his name was to be Jesus, and people would call him Immanuel. I have never really called Jesus, Immanuel. The word Immanuel/Emmanuel means, "God with us." It conveys the idea of God coming down in the flesh, mingling alongside mankind, subject to their brutality, while extending his love in bringing their redemption. So as Pastor Chris emphasized, Jesus has been throught it all...loss of loved ones (his earthly father Joseph died at an early age), stress of everyday life (he was a in the working world as a carpenter for 18 years), and extreme pain (crucification was the worst form of the death penalty). He knows exactly what we are going through or will ever go through. He has been there. So GO to him, he knows. Let him love on you this Chistmas, share your heart...he has been there.


Matthew 1:22-24
22All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet,

23Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us.

24Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife.


Isaiah 7:14
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.

Thank you Immanuel for coming to earth. Happy Birthday!