What Immanuel Means to Us
Today’s Advent Bible Verses:
Matthew 1:22-23 ESV
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel.”
The name Immanuel, "God with us," profoundly states the central truth of the Christian faith: that God has come to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the good news that we celebrate during Advent, the Christmas preparation season.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Immanuel, a child who would be born of a virgin and a sign of God's presence with his people. This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, who was born of the Virgin Mary and embodies God's love and grace.
The birth of Jesus is a miracle that changed the course of human history. It is a sign that God has not abandoned us but has come to redeem us and offer us new life. In Jesus, we see the fullness of God's love. He is the world's light, the hope of the nations, and the savior of all who believe.
During Advent, we are invited to reflect on the meaning of Immanuel, "God with us." We are reminded that God is not distant or aloof but is present with us in every moment of our lives. He is with us in our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears. He is with us in the midst of our busy lives and in the quiet moments of reflection.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts to the presence of Immanuel, God with us. Let us allow his love to transform us and give us new hope.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us. I thank you for His love, His grace, and His mercy. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.