Emmanuel
1. Jesus Christ, especially as the Messiah (Matt. 1:23). 2. Immanuel. (dictionary.com)
“They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (MSG)
Jesus appeased the ardent anticipation of our hearts. The questions have been answered. The gaps have been filled. Hope is available for the world to receive. “Emmanuel” explains how God came for us, is here with us, and is coming back for us through Jesus.
Presents vs. Presence
Sometimes it’s a blessing to go unnoticed. Jesus knew the peace woven into the observatory silence of slipping through a crowd or standing at the back of a room. But though He was not an audience seeker, they followed and gathered by the droves to be in His presence.
“He could not be hid; for, though a candle may be put under a bushel, the sun cannot.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary
The celebratory countdown to Christmas isn’t meant to spotlight our generosity, but His. When I feel hurried by my self-created hustle I linger a little longer in His presence …which isn’t a problem when you have no less than five Advent countdowns do maintain each day until Christmas. It’s a lot much, you can think it. I know it. But, I love it. The best way to lose your Christmas spirit is to make it all about what were getting and giving. Focus on the right “present” ignites the Spirit of Christmas.
present- something presented. -Merriam-Webster
presence- the part of space within one’s immediate vicinity. -Merriam Webster
How many Christmas presents to we forget about, exchange, or get rid of each year? Christ’s presence is always applicable to our lives and within our lives …if we’ll only just open it. Emmanuel …God with us.
The Other Lego Girl
“Briiiiiiii!!!!!!!” my youngest wailed. “You got a Lego Girl the last time you opened up a square …that’s NOT FAIR!!!!”
Watching my girls fight over an Advent gift I’d given them to share put the “never-enough”nature of humanity on display. In the thick of presents about to hit many homes; and the dread of those who don’t have gifts to give; it’s vital to pull the true light of Christmas into focus.
“They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (MSG)
“The first of many” verses that connect the Old Testament with the new, the above in particular fulfilled a verse written approximately 800 years earlier! The treasures tucked inside these verses danced together the over eight centuries between them, until God whisper, “it’s time.” Somewhere around 740-680 BC, Isaiah, who’s name means means “the Lord saves” penned,
Matthew, who’s name means “gift of the Lord,” recorded his words within 50-70 AD:
How does the Lord save? Through the gift of the Lord. Jesus.
We’re not always assured the final witness to inspired words, as a sign normally fulfilled within a few years taking 800 unravels the scope of God’s timing. Isaiah’s words warned the stubborn king Ahaz (the great-great-grandson of King Saul-New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters), but “he would not ask a sign for the confirming of his faith because he resolved to persist in his unbelief, and would indulge his doubts and distrusts…” Matthew Henry Commentary.
“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” Luke 12:57
Does it feel off-putting to revolve an entire season around hunting down doorbusters and toys your kid didn’t even know existed before the catalog hit the mailbox? Beyond ancestral traditions and surrounding customs, we must own our truth as individually and honestly as Creator of our soul observes.
“Despite the insistence of the Pharisees, despite the Roman system and even despite the pressure of family, a person must accept God on his terms. ” -NIV Study Bible Notes
Is it just a story? Was He just a man? Our minds will remain elusively angst until we put down the proof and unlock our hearts. We’re not so hidden away while we decide what to do. He sees because He is, and He is here now. Presents don’t fulfill human hearts; souls are satisfied by the presence of Jesus.
God’s gift is ready to bless us upon opening. Grace waits because He knows us. Jesus is enough for all of us. Are you seeking Christ this Christmas? Simply let go and believe.
He’s already here. Jesus. Savior. Emmanuel.
Happy Christmas,
Megs
This is just what I needed to read tonight!!! As I sit here wondering what more can I buy my 9 yr old just so she has “enough” to open Christmas morning….. but then this entire holiday season I remind her that Christmas is about Jesus and his birthday and “remember the true meaning of Christmas”…. ugh!? Sounds like I’m the one that needs to be reminded of that…. thanks meg you have a true gift, keep sharing
Thank you! May every Christmas remind us that He is enough.
The celebratory countdown isn’t meant to spotlight our generosity, but His. <- Yes, to this! It's not all about us at all! Thanks for this great message!
The celebratory countdown isn’t meant to spotlight our generosity, but His. <- Yes, to this! It's not all about us at all! Thanks for this great message!
Guilty as charged. I get so involved in making the list and checking twice, purchasing…… It’s all about Jesus. The indescribable gift. He’s it! Nothing more, nothing less.
I think we all do! How sweet is God in the way He reminds us to remember? Thank you stopping by! Happy Thursday!!!
Guilty as charged. I get so involved in making the list and checking twice, purchasing…… It’s all about Jesus. The indescribable gift. He’s it! Nothing more, nothing less.
I think we all do! How sweet is God in the way He reminds us to remember? Thank you stopping by! Happy Thursday!!!
Thank you for reminding me to slow down, to remember that the Presence of God is always with me if I would just stop long enough to notice. I want to slow down, to relish the waiting as we countdown to Christmas, and then rejoice that God came to earth so we could be free. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #HeartEncouragement.
Thank you Gayl! It’s so hard to slow down when we are so excited for the season! But we must or we will miss Him! Happy Thursday!!!!