Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 22

December 22
Matthew 1:22-23 (AMP) All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 (AMP) Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].
John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Emmanuel or Immanuel means God with us. Let these words sink in. God with us ~ He is not far off ~ He is not with us sometimes ~ He is not with certain believers or special Christians ~ He is God with us.

According to some dictionaries, the word “with” is a function/action word and so He is not just present with you, in you, or being with you. He is for you ~ actively working or participating with you. You are the object of His attention and affection because of Jesus ~ not just for your good but for His glory. He is over you ~ your ruler and watchman. He is on your side. You are in His possession and in His care. He is with us in spite of us.

Now, you may be asking how can you get all that out of that phrase…well, that is what the blessed dictionaries and concordances are for, my friends…I took what I found in them and reworded it here for you. All of these statements can be backed up with scriptures. He is not just present or dwelling inside us…He is active in us for our good and for His glory!!

What does that do for you? Does it make your heart sing? Does it give you hope, peace, or strength? Since God is with you ~ present and active, how might that affect your present situation? How can these scriptures become alive in your daily life?

Find some other scriptures that confirm these truths. Ponder them as you go about your day.

Praise Him today that He is with you ~ He is in you and actively moving in your life! Glory to His name!

Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay