Call Him Immanuel
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For many people, especially for the thousands incarcerated, the Christmas season is a time of extreme loneliness, pain, and despair. But the radiant hope of the good news is shining into the darkness bringing the light of life. One of the greatest revelations of Christmas is found in the name given to the Christ of Christmas – Immanuel. Isaiah prophesied of His coming, “The Lord himself will give you a sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’” (Isaiah 7:14 NLT). In Isaiah 8:8 the prophet cried out, “O, Immanuel.” Whatever battles you may be facing in your life today, Isaiah point us to Immanuel. “Call your councils of war, but they will be worthless. Develop your strategies, but they will not succeed for God is with us” (Isaiah 8:10 NLT). |
The good new of joy this Christmas is this – Immanuel came to be with us, in us, and for us! Is fear stalking your footsteps? An angel spoke to Joseph’s fear, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit and she will have a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins . . . and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:20-23). God speaks into you fear – Immanuel is with you.
Consider these gifts from Immanuel:
First – PROPHECIES fulfilled. Christ is unique. No one in history has ever had so many exact prophecies pointing to his birth, atoning death, and resurrection. He is the Son of God – Immanuel. (Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7; 53; Psalm 22; Micah 5:2) No other person in history has inspired as many books, articles, poems, music, art, and noble deeds as much as Jesus Christ.
Second – the PRESENCE of Immanuel. His very name assures us of His abiding presence. “The word became flesh and lived among us”. (John 1:14) “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). (Revelation 3:20) What a great privilege – having Immanuel living and abiding within me!
Third – the POWER of Immanuel. The God who created the mighty universe, Immanuel is with us. (John 1) The seven great I AMs in John’s gospel reveal his glory and power.
Fourth – PROTECTION. “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Fifth – the PROMISES of Immanuel. (I Peter 2:4; Acts 1:4-8) “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT)
Sixth – the PEACE of Immanuel. Jesus was born into a tumultuous time. An angel announced to terrified shepherds, “’Don’t be afraid! . . . I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem’ . . . Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:8-14 NLT). This Christmas season, the world needs peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Immanuel brings peace to all who will believe and receive him. (Philippians 2:5:-11) “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
by: Cliff Sanders