Christmas season. And I read through the Book of Isaiah. A chapter each day.
At least, that’s the plan. But then comes Isaiah 6.
And I don’t want to stop.
God with us
I keep reading. Moving through Chapter 7. Then Chapter 8. And onto Chapter 9.
Because in the midst of the terrible, there is the Messiah.
In the mire of men’s evil deeds, the Lord gives us a sign. A son born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
And names him Immanuel. “God with us.”
In the midst of distress and darkness, “to us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).
Promised One
The great light is coming. A dawn like no other. We hear it from the prophet’s lips. See it written in black and white on the printed page.
Promised hundreds of years before Roman rule and decree place the virgin Mary, great with child, in Bethlehem.
Promised in the thick dark of man’s rebellion.
Promised. Then delivered one starry night in the City of David.
The Son is given.
All creation groans
Today all creation groans in the brokenness of sin. Sighs in an atmosphere of evil.
Wrath runs rampant, spilling over with violence. Into homes and on the streets.
Bodies and minds struggle with illness and ongoing pain. Loss.
Grief gives way to despair.
God with us now
But in the midst of the hopelessness, the Wonderful Counselor comes.
In the fierce, ongoing spiritual battle, the Mighty God is victorious.
Where rapid change stresses and leads to burnout, the Eternal Father gives comfort and perspective. Reminding us that He remains the same. Faithful yesterday, today and forever.
Wars and rumors of war continue. Conflict, both personal and global. But we know the Prince of Peace.
We know Him!
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 CSB
Remember Immanuel
So whether this Christmas season is marked by songs of glad tidings—or silent nights.
The full—or the empty.
Exceedingly great joy—or distress and the deep sorrow of loss.
Remember Immanuel. Remember God with us.
Fix your eyes on the Wonderful Counselor.
Mighty God.
Eternal Father.
Prince of Peace.
We walk in the light of the Promised One revealed. Sing Alleluia to the Lord.
Related post: Expectation
2 replies on “Immanuel: God with us”
Thanks so much, Susan, for sharing this. I so often have to be reminded of these truths when I allow the world to bring me down. I am so thankful for this Good News and the birth of a Savior to give us new life. You so vividly described our most precious gift. May you and your wonderful family have a very blessed Christmas season.
A joyous Christmas to you all too, dear sister!