Whether Happy or Hurting Remember Immanuel

This week I would just like to share with you a short and sweet post and a reminder that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

Several years ago, I learned of some very sad news just a couple of weeks before Christmas. The wife of Joe McGee had passed away. Joe is one of my favorite Christian teachers/speakers who I’ve referred to here on the blog on a number of occasions. My heart just broke and grieved for Joe and their 6 children and grandchildren—especially at Christmastime.

I’ve thought of other families that have suffered losses, of various kinds, at this time of year and how difficult this must be. I was thinking, “How hard it must be to suffer a loss at this time of year. Will every Christmas be a negative trigger for them now?” However, one morning as I was doing my daily quiet time and devotions, I was reminded of something. Part of Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth, should not only be to celebrate the human birth of Christ but to recognize and remember his deity as well.

Immanuel means “God with us”

We need to remember that one of his names is “Immanuel” which means “God with us”. God came to be with us. We are not isolated and alone. In a lonely, hurting, and isolated world God said, “I want to come be with you. I want to help you. You’re not alone.”

God is Immanuel to families in their time of hurting. God is with them. So maybe Christmastime can be less painful with that in mind. God knows they are hurting and what a good time of year to remember that Jesus is Immanuel; God is with us. Maybe He will say to them and remind them this year and every Christmas hereafter, “I am with you. I am here.”

At Christmas and all year, Jesus is Immanuel

“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 (NIV)

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (NIV) 

Take Some Practical Steps To Remember Immanuel:

Let Christmas and the birth of Jesus on earth always serve as a reminder to us that God came to be with us. In times of hurt, loneliness, or despair, remember Immanuel. Remember that you are never alone. God is with you. Jesus came to be with us in good times and bad, and in those bad times he is there to carry our burdens.

So today and in the upcoming New Year, whether you are happy or hurting, remember that Jesus is Immanuel. God is with you, and He will not leave you!

“…for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake you nor let you down (relax My hold on you)!  Assuredly not!” Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)

How has Jesus been “Immanuel” to you? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) 

*Updated: Originally posted 12/27/2016