“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23, ESV)
Immanuel…God with us.
Matthew’s verse, quoted from Isaiah 7:14, was a prophecy over 700 years old. A prophecy finally coming to pass when Jesus was born.
The time between Isaiah’s prophecy and its fulfillment were some of the hardest, darkest, and most discouraging years for Israel. Loosing battles. Thrown into slavery. Religious persecution.
A lot of Israelites gave into society’s demands and let go of God, their beliefs and traditions, in order to fit into the world around them. They lost hope in the waiting. But, a remnant always remained. Holding onto their faith. Trusting in their one true God to fulfill His Promises. Faith passed down from generation to generation.
Until the birth of a baby, when a 700 year old prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) and a 2000 year old promise (Genesis 12:2-3) were finally fulfilled.
God is with us… No matter what battles we fight, He is our fortress to run to and find strength in. (Psalm 46:11)
God is with us… No matter what dark valley we go through, He walks beside us, giving us courage and comfort. (Psalm 23:4)
God is with us… No matter what discouragement, what loss, what pain, what sickness, what stress, what doubt, what failures we encounter, nothing separates us from His love for us. (Romans 8:38-39)
In our hearts, Christ has made His home. (Ephesians 3:17, NLT)
Hold onto Him. Trust Him.
Our Savior and Redeemer.
Immanuel.
Joy Williams "Here With Us"
(“Here With Us” by Joy Williams)
