They will call him Immanuel           21 December 2006

 

 

“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.” Isaiah 7:14

I wonder if Isaiah ever thought about how this prophesy, written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, would be realised. But as we know, it came to pass.

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through he prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:20-23

Mary did give birth to a son, who was named Jesus, and who has saved his people, each one of us, from our sins. The Son of God was born on earth, Immanuel; God with us. Jesus was with Mary. Jesus was with his disciples during his earthly ministry. He made a promise after his resurrection and before his ascension, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Jesus is alive. In his resurrection death was defeated and Jesus remains with us today; God is still with us, our Immanuel. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, evidence to us of our relationship with the one true living God.

When life is a struggle, when life is painful, when life is stressful, when we feel out of control, we can draw strength, comfort, peace, direction and support from Jesus who continues to be with us today.

Thank you Jesus for what you have done for us. Thank you that you are faithful, that you are true to your promises and that you will never forsake us.     Amen