The story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Matthew begins in the first chapter:
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged
to be married to Joseph, but before the came together, she was found to be with
child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man
and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her
quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in
a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as
your wife, because what is 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: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel!”—which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:18-23
It was the Old Testament prophet Isaiah who foretold the coming of Jesus as
Immanuel– “God with us.” Matthew 1: 23 is a quote from Isaiah 7:14.
As we’ve reflected on some of the different names of Jesus throughout this year,
let’s reflect on Jesus’ name as Immanuel this Advent season. We often talk about
going to be with God when we go home to heaven one day. But God came to be
WITH US through his Son-Jesus! That means HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE are
WITH US NOW, in this life, until we reach our eternal home!
May we spend the Christmas season in humble adoration and worship as we sing:
“O Come, O Come Immanuel”!!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tammy
