As we celebrate Advent together, we want to continue to look at the different names that Jesus is given in the scriptures. This week we will look at the name Emmanuel.

Emmanuel means “God with us.” God loved us so much that he sent his son in human form to take on sin that we could never defeat. God is with us! What a statement that is!

We see in the scripture that this name for Jesus is often used. One of my favorite passages that the name Emmanuel is used is in Isaiah 8:

"Because this people has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates - the king of Assyria with all his pomp. It will overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck. Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, Immanuel!"

Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:6-10, ESV)

The prophet Isaiah used the name Emmanuel here to give hope to the people who were in a situation that seemed hopeless. This passage tells us that no matter what is going on, the land is Emmanuel's and nothing will stop that. Emmanuel will pay the ransom that only the son of God can pay. It brings me such great joy to know that the Lord has sent his son to pay a ransom I could never pay.

There are seasons in our lives where we will feel like we are in this land that is filled with distress and sorrow. It will be easy to lose faith and hope during these times, but take heart and remember that the Lord is with us and that He is sovereign, and all of the "land" is Emmanuel's!

In this Advent season, we celebrate the fact that Emmanuel has already come but also that he is coming back again. Oh, what joy that will bring. Ask the Lord to refresh your heart and soul as we move though this season of Advent. Would you take some time and remind yourself of what the Lord has done though His Son for you? I am doing the same. Have a great week, Grace family.