Our Immanuel

Here is something that I wrote 2 years ago at Christmast that I thought that I would share again.

December 22, 2005
Our Immanuel

This year during the Christmas season, God has brought the name Immanuel to the forefront of my mind. It has been a name on which I have spent a lot of time reflecting. Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means, God with us”. Think about that for a moment. God with us! I can’t think of anything more profound.

The God of the universe, Creator of heaven and earth, Everlasting Father, King of kings, LORD of Lords, Self Sustaining, Omnipotent, Omniscient, All Sufficient GOD does not “need” us. He is complete and perfect just as He is! But He “wants” to be with us. Amazing! Immanuel, God became flesh. If you break into parts the name Immanuel, you would find this meaning. Im = with, An = us and El= God. So you might call Him the “With” us GOD. God with us! Have you ever heard of such a thing?

This year has been particularly difficult for our family due to Jeff’s final semester at the seminary as well as the journey we have been on now for 7 months of waiting for Gods unrevealed place of ministry for us. The last several months my focus has been on what we are “without”. But, because of Jesus, in contrast to the “without” I also have a really BIG “with”. I have a God who is with me and loves me. So I have no reason to dwell on the “without”.

Psalm 63:3 tells us that Gods love is better than life. This week, God reminded me of His personal love for me. Early one morning, I was up and spending my quiet time with the Lord at the kitchen table. I have really been trying to practice sitting quietly before Him to allow His word to sink in as I read it. (I am better at talking instead of listening) As I sat in the quiet and stillness of the moment, I requested from my heart to hear God speak to me. Just anything, Lord, will do. Oh, to hear an audible word from God! At that very moment, I heard little feet coming my way. I was irritated knowing that my quiet time with the Lord had ended and that now I would not hear from Him, as my youngest child was obviously awake and headed in my direction.

I want you to know what happened next. That precious child came over to me, quietly crawled up into my lap, put his small hands on my face, looked straight into my eyes and whispered, “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH”. Suddenly, I felt a feeling flood my body like nothing else. What I thought would be an interruption was actually an answer to prayer. I had just heard from my heavenly Father. Sure, it was in a four year old voice, but it was from the mouth of God. “I LOVE YOU” is what my God wanted to tell me as I eagerly awaited any word from HIM. Can you IMAGINE? Oh, yes Lord your love is better than life! I can testify with the psalmist now.

I can’t think of anything more wonderful than to be loved by a God that is “with us”. Avoid all the busyness and chaos that has been brought into the Christmas season. Sit back with me and reflect on a God that loved us SO much that He stepped out of heaven and came to earth to be “with us”. What more could we ask for? He is with us this very moment. We are surrounded by Him and His love at all times. Today, you may be “without” someone or something like me. But, do not spend your time focusing on the “without”. For we have a greater focus. Jesus our IMMANUEL!


May your Christmas be full of JESUS!!!