Immanuel…God with Us
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Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.
The Advent season is upon us once again. It comes more quickly each year. I know, I’m just getting old! Since we’ll soon hear the amazing story of Jesus’ birth being told from countless pulpits and since biblical names always have a significance, let’s look into the meaning of Jesus’ name.
In the Old Testament, God’s name and His presence were virtually synonymous, which was evidenced in His name Jehovah-shammah, meaning the Lord is present or the Lord is there.
Jehovah-shammah, dwelling on the throne of heaven, sent His Son to earth to be born in another form, to live personally with His people. His name? “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV)
In the New Testament, Jesus was Jehovah-shammah, as Matthew, quoting prophecy, said of His name, “‘They shall call His name Immanuel,’ translated as, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23b, NKJV)
When Jesus came to be with us, He threw off His robe of celestial royalty and dressed Himself in a tiny, pink suit of humanity. From the birth-manger to the death-tomb, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14 NKJV) The original Greek says that Jesus “tabernacled” among us, which means to pitch one’s tent, to dwell in safety and security under its cover and protection.
That Divine Flesh was known by the name of Jesus, which the Word tells us is a “more excellent name” (Heb. 1:4) and the “name which is above every other name,” (Phil. 2:9b TLB) and to which “every knee shall bow.” (Rom. 14:11)
Calling on that precious name has opened the portals of heaven and shut the gates of hell. It brings salvation to lost souls, turns away tornadoes, heals people of cancer, and gives the lame the ability to walk. Dependence on that name is essential.
The last thing Jesus said to His disciples was, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20 NKJV)
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember that He was birthed in obedience that He might die to be with us forever.
As Immanuel stood before Pilate, he asked, “What then am I to do with Jesus?” (Matt. 27:22, Phillips) What, then, do you do with this Jesus? Do you know that Jehovah-shammah Immanuel is with you…always?
Lord, Thank You that You came to earth as a babe of certain death to bring us Your salvation. I pray that every person reading this will have a new awareness of Your eternal presence in their lives as they celebrate this season of Your birth. Amen!
Questions: Why do you celebrate Christmas? Who is Jesus? Where is Jesus in relation to you?
About the Author Lynn Mosher
I had no idea these comments were here. I got no notification of them. I hope you all will see this. Thank you for taking time to read and respond. You bless my heart. Blessings to you all.
Marbella, Yup! Years ago, I was watching a Christian program as a, well, hurricane, not a tornado, approached the city where the program originated. The teacher and the viewers prayed that it would turn and go out to sea, thereby avoiding landfall. And it did!
i am learning to learn what Christmas is truly all about.
I think we are w/you in this Trisha. We simply celebrate HIS birth [even though it is the wrong time of year]. We simply are saying we love HIM. None of us have mentioned any of the craziness of Christmas because I don’t think that is where any of us are at either??
i am not a Jehovah’s witness (although they DID get the “holiday celebrating” truths correct, i am not of Jewish decent, or any other “religion” who does not “celebrate” “Christmas”. i do not involve myself with the expenses and hoop a la of Dec 25th. i “celebrate” Jesus, my LORD, EVERY day of the year!! i love Him with my whole heart, mind and soul and if others want to get themselves into debt and lavish all kinds of gifts on ONE day… it is THEIR choice. i am not a “bah humbug” and do not begrudge another thier ‘fantasy’ time of year. For me it’s just TOO much of a dog and pony show. Every year brings more suicides and depression than any other time. The heaviness of nostaglia and childhood memories are NOT where i want to be. i know the world tries outdoing itself with pomp and circumstane, bigger trees, bigger ornaments,more expensive greeting cards, brighter lights, louder carols, more sales advertising and on and on ad nauseum! For me, i treasure and cherish my alone times with Peace and Joy all year round and when people, even Christians can’t understand it…it just doesn’t matter. Jesus’s death to bring us Eternal Life is Greater than his birthday.
JESUS is the reason for the season , and what a marvellous time to remind ourselves that the TABERNACLE of GOD is with us and HIS AWESOME presence shall take us from where we are to where we should be.THANK you JESUS for your BLESSED presence in our life.
Turns away tornadoes?
whoops….fingers slipped.
I echo your prayer this Christmas season.
Ahhhhh, HE is my Lord and soon coming King. My Saviour and my all. I celebrate HIS birth because of this understanding of HIS great love and purpose in coming to ‘tabernacle’ with us. Thank you for sharing this meaning.
We sing and rejoice that God loved us so much while we were yet sinners that HE sent HIS beloved Son to this world.
I echo your prayer this Ch