December 18, 2019

Immanuel
Leonard Lee · Christmas

MATTHEW 1:23

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a

son, and they will call him Immanuel
(which means "God with us").

Eric was six years old. One night the thunder and
lightning were so loud it shook the room where he
was sleeping. His mother came into the room hoping
to comfort the newly awakened Eric and to explain
that she was in the next room and that even though it
might be scary - he was not alone.

"Mommy," Eric whispered. "Can I sleep in your bed

tonight? It is really scary and I want to sleep in your
bed." "Eric," his mom replied. "You know there is no
more room in my bed because that is where Daddy
is." "Okay, Mommy," Eric sighed. And on her way
out of the room, his mother overheard him say,
"Daddy's a big sissy!"

There is something about being alone that we just do

not like. In a survey of kids ages eight to fifteen, one
of the top fears listed was being alone. Frequently,
adults are paralyzed from life-giving action simply
because they do not feel like there is someone who
will go with them. Today, loneliness lists as one of the
most common struggles of adults and teens.

Picture the scene of a five-year-old being dropped off

for kindergarten, and you will see a lot of tears all
based upon the anxiety of being left alone. Parents
often volunteer in their kids' classes because there are
a lot of kids who find great comfort when their
parents are "with" them.

Marriages often spark because of someone you

couldn't live without and whose presence in your life
seems to have made it better in every way.
Friendships can make us feel nearly invincible, as
though we are definitely going to win in life. When
some people are near, our strength, courage, and
confidence all rise.

In the Christmas story, the angel said to Joseph, "he

will be called Immanuel, which means God with
us..." It seems that this is more than just a cool name
we would shorten to Manny. Immanuel - GOD
WITH US - is a name that is supposed to settle into
how we relate with Christ moment by moment.

A quick search of the Bible reveals that "God with

us" is a theme that runs from cover to cover, from
Genesis to Revelation. "God With us" started in
Genesis, when God walked in the cool of the evening
with Adam and Eve. And in Revelation, we read that
God will bring to close this side of eternity and open
the next with this phrase. "And now the dwelling of
God is with men, he will be their God, and they will be
his people." In between, there is the repeated theme
of "God with us…" Underscoring this amazing
truth, Jesus' last words were: "I am with you always, to
the very end of the age." The Bible is literally a
chronicle of "Immanuel - GOD WITH US."

Immanuel - GOD WITH US. With us in our pain,

our fear, our discouragement, and our worry.
Immanuel - GOD WITH US. With us in our joy,
our triumph, our laughter, our smiles, and our good
decisions. Every day, in every place, the God of the
universe has promised to be with us. GOD WITH
US. Let that soak in for a little bit. It is quite the
Christmas gift.

"God with us" is a Christmas message that God

meant for each of us to carry every day. This
Christmas, like the kid who finds great confidence,
joy, hope, and strength in the presence of their
parent, let the name Immanuel bring this confidence
to you! Immanuel - GOD WITH US!

UNWRAPPING THIS GIFT Take a few minutes to

think about the places God has been involved in your
life and give Him thanks. Place an ornament on your
tree as a reminder of "God with us."

Tagged: Advent, Christmas

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