Emmanuel

Emmanuel – God with us
The word Immanuel is the Hebrew name for ‘God with us.’ The Greek form of the same name is Emmanuel. The promise in Isaiah 7: 14 and 8:8 was a sign God gave Ahaz. He was caught in a tight spot not knowing what to do and where to turn for help when threatened by enemies. This reigning monarch was very weak in faith. God gave the promise of a sign - ‘virgin who would conceive and bear a son to be called Immanuel.’ That promise given through Isaiah was meant to shore up faith for the nation. They must put their trust in God Almighty. Sadly the King had His own plans for the security of his nation.

At times we are like Ahaz. Our faith in God falters and we make our own plans for our own security. We all need to learn to stand in awe of God’s love and wisdom and accept His plans for our future.

There is an old hymn written by John Neale in 1851 entitled Veni Emmanuel which translated means ‘O come Emmanuel’ It picks ups the yearnings and expectations of the Israelites in exile. They were waiting for the Deliverer – the Messiah.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

In the New Testament we read of the angel’s message given to Joseph quoting from the prophet Isaiah. ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel - which means God with us.” Matt. 1:23

Let us give recognition and pay homage to Christ, our Emmanuel – God with us. How comforting to know He has come and He is with us all the time.

God is with us all the time,
In the morning when joy bells chime,
In the evening when lights are low;
Our God is with us everywhere we go. (SASB. Chorus 123)

Pray this prayer written by Colonel Henry Gariepy in his book “100 Portraits of Christ’

“Immanuel, abide with me all through life. Thus enriched by Your fellowship, strengthened by Your presence, and led by Your guidance, I shall be able to walk life’s pathway victoriously.”