Christmas... Make It Make SenseSample

What Does Immanuel Mean?

Today, think about how it feels to accomplish something great and how much better it was when somebody was there with you to see it and experience the moment. Or when you’re watching a funny movie and how it felt so much better when you got to share the moment with someone else. Or even when you’ve felt low, how much better did it feel to be able to share that moment with someone else, someone who listened and genuinely cared?

At Christmas, we remember that the name of Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

Did you know that today’s Bible reading was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born? Mad!

When declaring how Jesus would be known, God could have chosen any name under the sun, but the name he chose was Immanuel to show us that he is not distant, he is not entirely transcendent, and he is not above or beyond the cares of humanity. No, he is Immanuel, God with us.

Throughout the Old Testament, numerous references to God reveal himself to his people. He revealed himself as a pillar of fire in Exodus 13, a tornado in Job 40, and a smoking furnace in Exodus 3. Yet in the Christmas story, we remember God coming as a baby, not to bring judgment but to take it himself. He is Immanuel, God with us.

How is Jesus Immanuel to you this Christmas?

How would seeing God as Immanuel change how you go about your day today?