God With Us

He will pass through Judah,
He will overflow and pass over,
He will reach up to the neck;
And the stretching out of his wings
Will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel.  Isaiah 8:8

Immanuel, a name of Jesus we do not use nearly enough. A search in God's word shows that the more famous verse from Isaiah 7 is the first time, and it is quoted in Matthew, but then there is only this lesser known verse in the next chapter of Isaiah. We are not the only ones who do not use Immanuel very much. Perhaps it is something that does not come naturally or easily to us and thus requires much practice and effort. This fits in with the fruits of the Spirit and the joy of the Lord. The good things promised by our Lord do not come easily to us and our fallen birthright. Grumbling and complaining come more swiftly to us in the test than do songs of praise and worship. Fleeing from fear is easier than facing it. And as unbelief is our natural state, many find it far easier to maintain than the faith in Jesus that saves life. Ah, but what joy to say the name and know the meaning of Immanuel! Gladly will we practice and work toward the knowing of His holy name by saying it often with respect and devotion. Immanuel, God-with-us, how we love to hear the name of our Lord Jesus! 

Merry Christmas in the love of Immanuel!

Bucky