Immanuel means God with us.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:the Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel “. Isaiah 7:14
As I was preparing for my talk on the theme of “Christmas means” a few years ago the Lord spoke to my heart about rediscovering the AWE and WONDER of those incredible bible verses.
GOD WITH US
about rediscovering the AWE and WONDER of the story of Jesus’ birth.
These bible verses are not just for Christmas!
The nativity story is so familiar to us that we can easily skip past these bible verses, perhaps even only read them once a year, without truly meditating on them. Contemplating the miracle that has taken place.
We have become de-sensitised by tradition and familiarity to this truly miraculous event and we can be in danger of no longer appreciating how incredible this event in history was.
A Virgin has become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and given birth to God’s own son. There are angelic visitations, hosts of angels appearing from heaven, a bright new star has been seen in the sky which draws men from a far land. This is no ordinary event. It is momentous.
A Holy God, who we were separated from by sin, who could not be touched by human hands or His face looked upon, has Himself come to us and lived with us.
Reading the story of the God of the Mountain in Exodus 19 helps us to gain an understanding of how much of an incredible privilege we have because of Jesus to be in relationship with God.
When God tells Moses He will come down to the people on Mount Sinai there is a warning to the people…don’t approach the mountain or touch it or you will die.
The people have to be kept at a distance and they can only approach the mountain when they hear the trumpet.
They have to be cleansed and prepared over 3 days ready for God to appear.
God is a holy God.
When God comes to the mountain there is smoke, thunder, lightning, fire, the mountain shakes and the people are terrified.
I can’t blame them as it must have been a terrifying sight to behold.
The people are too scared to go up the Mountain and sadly remain at a distance.
This is the reality of the effect of sin, our separation from a Holy God.
That’s why we needed Jesus. He was the only one who could bridge the gap.
That’s why we have Christmas.
It was certain death to approach that Mountain. There is a required separation from God because of sin and there is distance.
Jesus laid aside his heavenly glory to take on human flesh.
Jesus came in the Father’s love to save us from our sins and restore us into relationship with God.
Jesus, God’s only son came and lived with us.
Fully God yet man.
God of the Manger.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Jesus came to show us God’s goodness, compassion, mercy, love and justice.
Jesus could be touched. He allowed himself to be touched and He touched people. He touched lepers who were unclean and sinners.
Jesus reached out and touched the untouchables. He still does.
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing he said “ Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy, Matthew 8:3
Jesus showed us the Father God who loves us with such incredible love.
If we want to see God then look at Jesus.
So…when was I last truly filled with Awe and Wonder as I read the Bible, see and experience God’s beautiful creation, consider the miracle of My Salvation, consider the miracle that God now dwells in Me by the power of His Holy Spirit!
God in me.
God in you.
God of the Mountain.
God of the Manger.
God living in me and you.
Dear reader, does God want to restore your sense of AWE and WONDER at His Story too.
This post is an updated re-post.
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