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Feeling alone this Christmas? Need someone to talk to? Need someone to listen? We’re here.
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” (Hebrews 1:4) and the “name which is above every other name,” (Philippians 2:9b TLB) and to which “every knee shall bow.” (Romans 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.” (Matthew 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?” (Matthew 27:22, Phillips) What, then, do you do with this Jesus? Do you know that Jehovah-shammah Immanuel is with you … always?
Prayer: 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: Give some concrete reasons why you know that God is with you. Why do bad things happen? Is God still there even in the bad situations? How do you know?
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I feel God Is With Us,because there were times when I didn’t know how I was going to make it and here was his spirit working right on time!I have had people treat me differantly when they knew that I served a mighty God.Oh,glory to his name.
Bad things happen because of the consequences of sins? I’m not too sure, but definitely God is not going to leave us in the lurch. His spirit comforts us. We may not see it, but there is a quiet peace and calmness within that God is in control. Also, we see more of God’s hand and glory through bad times. He sends people to comfort. He heals the sick. He moves mountains when people pray and intercede. He does miracles when we trust in Him. He can still turn something bad into good.
Praise the Lord for Christmas! for Jesus. Thank you for reminding us throughout this holiday season, of the REAL Reason. If it were not for these emails, I think I might be more distracted & forget the real meaning, as a human being.
I pray God blesses & meets each of us today, and reminds us of His Strong Presence. Praise the Lord! God bless!
I know that God is with me because of prayers He has answered, both large and small. I know that God is with me because I see him in the nature He created. I know that God is with me because He provides me with opportunities to shine His light each and every day and He equips me with just what I need when I need it. Why do bad things happen? Well, no one ever said life would be easy or perfect. We live in this world where bad things happen right along with the good. God has faith in us that we will be able to turn bad into good, that we will be able to endure, and most importantly that when we rely on Him, our faith in Him will grow.
Machelle, God always works right on time, doesn’t He? Especially when the world comes tumbling down on us. There is always hope and anticipation of God’s working. Know you are loved and worthy. May the New Year be filled with all the things you need. Blessings to you.
Rebecca, You are so right. God will never leave us. We may think He has failed to show up but His time clock runs on heavenly time, not earthly. He will always be there, helping us through others. May you be blessed with all you need.
I pray the Real Reason will live in your heart all year long. May you be blessed throughout the New Year with your heart’s desires.
Oops! That last message was for Em!
Amen, Alison! God is ALWAYS with us. And what a comforting thought. I don’t know how others live without knowing that. Blessings of peace and comfort to you!
Thank you all for your comments. I am honored that you took time to read my devotion and leave a comment. May the Lord truly bless each one of you.
God is always there…even in the bad times, how do I know WITHOUT A SHADOW OF DOUBT? because He said He will never leave me or forsake me, because He neither sleeps nor slumbers , because He says He is with me always and He has exalted His word above His name and He doesnt lie.
i always think of it this way particularly when bad things happen, if i stand in a shadow it doesnt mean the sun has stopped shining, no! it only means there is something standing between me and the sun and casting the shadow bu the sun is still shining, same thing with God HE IS ALWAYS THERE.
Itai, Amen! You are so right. Bless you!