EMMANUEL (Part 2)

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One 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 fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Emmanuel^G1694” (which means, “God with us”).

Matthew 1:18-23

G1694 em-man-oo-ale’; of Hebrew origin (H6005); God with us; Emmanuel, a name of Christ:—Emmanuel.

Strong, James, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, G1694

Emmanuel – When I graduated from ORU with my bachelor’s and then master’s degrees and later, when I was ordained as a minister, God was with me. When I celebrated entering my “golden decade” even though my life expectancy had been 24 years, Jesus celebrated the continued life He gives me. Jesus has been with me mightily through every high and low in my life. I trust that He will continue to be my Emmanuel, God with me, until He receives me home. My desire is to be a living gift of His presence to those I encounter. (Susan)

Emmanuel – When the Lord blessed me with “adopted” teenagers in my forties, I knew Jesus was with me and was giving me the children I always prayed and believed He would. God has given me many Christian friends who are “Jesus with skin on” and through them, He has hugged me so many times. Jesus brought Susan and me together and has enabled us by His grace to form Precious Jewels Ministries, and we are keenly aware of Emmanuel, God with us, every day as we study His word. (Susie)

Emmanuel – Take a few moments to really contemplate how Jesus is “God with us” in your own life. Maybe even write examples as we each did. Praise and thank Him for His presence!

Emmanuel, Jesus, thank You for being God with us! May we continue to celebrate and bask in Your presence daily, and may our lives bring glory to Your name—Emmanuel.

Enjoy “God with Us” by Mercy Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Y-Px39cm4