Although I don’t have any data to support this claim, I may venture to say that more people read or hear gospel at Christmas than at any other time of year. Immanuel is one of those passages from gospel that perhaps Christians don’t hear much of during this time of year.
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Immanuel, which means” God with us,” is a significant passage in Isaiah’s Old Testament prophecy about Jesus ‘ birth:” Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the mother may conceive and carry a child, and may call his name Immanuel” ( Isaiah 7: 14, ESV).
In his consideration of the birth of Jesus in his bible, the Apostle Matthew quotes it. She may carry a child, and you will call him Jesus, for he will keep his people from their sins, a Lord angel said to Joseph. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:” ‘ Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel ‘ ( which means, God with us )” ( Matthew 1: 22-23, ESV).
The idea of God living with us, among His persons, is important, but it was part of His plan from the start. Remember that until Adam and Eve’s evil caused God to drive them out of the Garden of Eden. He began ways to live among them after he recognized the Hebrews as His chosen individuals.
” My spirit shall not hate you, and I will make my home among you.” In Leviticus 26: 11-12, He said to the Israelites,” And I will move among you and will be your God, and you may be my people. ” I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you wouldn’t get their captives,” declares the LORD. And I made you walk erect by breaking the plates of your collar.
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The intricate ritual practices of the old covenant made amends for the sins of God’s individuals so that He could reside in the Temple. Later on, the Temple in Jerusalem fulfilled the same performance.
Associated:  , Sunday Thoughts: Celebrating More Than Jesus ‘ Baby
But God had yet bigger plans. Through the scriptures, he spoke and foreshadowed what would follow with Jesus.
” Watch, I will shake my hand over them, and they may be plunder for those who served them. Then you will understand that the LORD of visitors has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O girl of Zion, for witness, I come and I will linger in your presence, declares the LORD. And some countries will unite around the LORD in that day, and they will become my folks. And I will linger in your presence, and you may realize that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you” ( Zechariah 2: 10-11, ESV).
Of course, Jesus did come and dwell among God’s persons in the body. The Apostle John put it this way:” And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” ( John 1: 14, ESV).
People who calls on Jesus ‘ label as Savior and Lord’s sacrifice at the bridge was paid the price for their sins by paying Him a price. And now, the Holy Spirit is residing in the souls of believers. One of our priest’s comments from last fall’s Christmas Eve service struck me as being relevant: While the disciples had Jesus dwelling with them, today’s followers have the Holy Spirit living in them.
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Moreover, Jesus ‘ resurrection gives believers the promise of eternal living with Him. In forever, God may dwell among His persons again, this time always.
” And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her father. And I heard a loud tone from the king saying”, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He did reside with them, and they will be his people, and their God may be God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” ( Revelation 21: 3-4, ESV).
Think about the innovative thought of Jesus coming to earth as Immanuel, God with us, this Christmas and every day. Let it drive you to worship Him in appreciation and gratitude.
Have a blessed and joyful Christmas!
