Emmanuel
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For the multiplied thousands behind bars, 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 the 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 cries out “O Immanuel.” |
Whatever battles you may be facing in your life today, Isaiah points 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). Hallelujah! Immanuel is with us, in us, and for us.
An angel spoke into 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 NLT). God speaks into your fear – Immanuel is with you.
Immanuel brings us seven gifts: 1) prophesies fulfilled; 2) presence of Immanuel; 3) power of Immanuel; 4) peace; 5) provision; 6) protection; 7) promises. You can know and experience the reality of Immanuel in your life. “For as many as received him gave he power to become sons of God, even as many as believed on his name” (John 1:12).
by: Cliff Sanders