Young People's Group

Immanuel – God with Us

by Mitchell Tan
December 24, 2020

APPRECIATING SO MUCH MORE IMMANUEL AT CHRISTMAS

Immanuel is indeed a beautiful name. It was prophesied by the Lord God through Isaiah the prophet hundreds of years before Jesus was born (Isaiah 7:10-14). This prophetic sign was fulfilled when Mary conceived baby Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.

“So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:23

There is a complexity with regards to people calling His name “Immanuel” because of its symbolic significance. How do we understand this?

1. THE LORD JESUS’S IDENTIFICATION WITH US

Immanuel shows the idea that the Lord Jesus truly identifies with His people. He has not left them alone in this dark and evil world. The emphasis of this phrase is on “with us.” There comes a very special sense of comfort in knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has come down to earth to be with His people. His promise of His presence assures and causes us to not fear but to have hope.

2. THE SPIRITUAL RECOGNITION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE LORD JESUS’ PRESENCE

The Lord Jesus was never called “Immanuel” in real life. And yet, people will come to understand and appreciate His presence in their lives. This is more a spiritual understanding and recognition that the Lord is with us.

A. WHEN PEOPLE START TO HAVE FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS AS SAVIOUR

Those who have faith in Him will come to recognize His great worth.

B. WHEN PEOPLE LEARN TO WALK WITH THE LORD JESUS

As people obey His word, pray and trust in Him, and there will be the experience of the Lord’s presence in their lives. This is something that they would be enlightened to. They will see Him symbolically as Immanuel. They will truly perceive that the Lord Jesus is with them through faith in Him and in walking with Him.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON IMMANNUEL

The last three weeks have not been easy for me. My dad passed away on the 30th of November. And about more than a week ago, my mum had severe water retention in her legs and body. She was warded in hospital and has been going for different procedures and tests. In the midst of this difficult time, one word that stands out is the word “Immanuel”. God is with us. The Lord’s presence brings a special sense of comfort to my soul. His promise of His presence reassures me that I am not going through this alone.

He is with the both of us, Pastor Mark and me, and that is more than we need. Our hearts are really thankful that we can recognize the Lord Jesus’s presence in our lives. Can you imagine if we cannot recognize His presence with us? How miserable that would be! Young people, this Christmas, my prayer for you is that you will have faith in the Lord Jesus and personally come to recognise Jesus as Immanuel. May you personally experience the wonderful presence of the Lord Jesus in your life this Christmas and always. Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

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