Today let’s think a little more deeply about the meaning and significance of Immanuel. By taking the usual investigation questions, a bit “out of order,” let’s expand from there.
What does Immanuel mean?
Immanuel means “God is with us.” It is a name from the Hebrew language that is central to Biblical thought and practice
Who is Immanuel?
The central person of interest here is Jesus of Nazareth. His coming was prophesied by Isaiah 7:14 almost 9 centuries ago. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Jesus was born about seven centuries later. Immanuel is a common everyday name in many places because of the person of Jesus.
Yes, we usually call him Jesus, but who else has ever been born of a virgin? Luke2:26-38 Jesus means rescuer, deliverer, and savior. All these define the Messiah.
When is He with us?
Immanuel is with us now. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 and Hebrews 13:5 say, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”[b]
At the end of his physical life on earth, Jesus said to the disciples “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
What age is this you ask? He is with us in this kingdom age, until he returns physically at His second coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Then Immanuel will still be with us.
Where is Immanuel?
These days, seeing that God with us might be a challenge. Didn’t Nietzsche declare God dead back in 1882? Time magazine asked “Is God Dead?” on its front cover in 1966! Those are just loud miss-directions to distract from the truth.
Without spiritual sight, it is very hard, maybe impossible to see Him. It is His Holy Spirit who pursues and attracts people into relationship with Himself, then seals us safely there.
He lives inside us. How is that? Any who receive Jesus as their savior and Lord receive the Holy Spirit. “even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.” John 14:17
He is also seated at the right hand of God the Father where He is ruling, reigning, and interceding for us.
Why is God with us?
The short answer is because of love. Our Creator did not just make us and abandon us. This Mighty One created everything, but only people are created in His image. We exist to rule and reign over our spheres of influence. As we humbly lean into our relationship with Immanuel, we receive power and are directed to accomplish His will.
Over time, Christmas has carried different meanings for me. Not all of them are pleasant. Now, I find celebrating the fact that God became flesh and blood is particularly significant. Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He wants us all to have life, abundant life, and I choose to celebrate that.
Abba, every breath I take is a gift from you. In response, I gladly choose to worship you in spirit and in truth. I pray we all make space in these strange times, quieting ourselves and remembering your eternal presence with us. May we recognize who You are, and who we are in you. . . God with us. . . always. Amen
