“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” St. Matthew 1:23 (SyS)
Many young men have known the challenge of the name their parents have given to them. Some have done their families proud and others . . .
During the Napoleonic Wars in Europe a deserter was brought before Napoleon for judgment. “What’s you name, soldier?” the Emperor asked him. “Napoleon, sir,” was the reply. Napoleon turned and looked the boy in the eyes, then sternly said, “Change your behavior or change your name.”
We know that the name given to Mary’s baby was a life-changing name. Immanuel . . . God with us. God with us! What a comforting idea! He is with us in adversity. When times are tough and circumstances are not so good, he is with us. When everything that can go wrong already did, he is with us. In everyday, normal life, he is with us. At work, he is with us. In the grocery store, he is with us. On the highways, he is with us. At home, he is with us. And his presence always comforts us along the way.
Emmanuel . . . God with us. What a reason to praise his name! He is with us in prosperity. When times and circumstances are so good that we almost forget to thank him, he is right there. When everything we touch turns to gold, he is with us. When we are popular and surrounded by friends, he is with us. When we are blessed beyond our wildest dream, he is with us. And his presence always make a difference!
We take comfort in Emmanuel because he makes a difference in our lives. From last Christmas through this Christmas to next Christmas and beyond, he is with us. The prophet prophesied that God would be with us. The angel of the Lord proclaimed to Joseph that Mary’s baby would “save his people from their sins” (Mt.1:21). And Matthew 1:22 explains that everything was done to fulfill the prophecy about Emmanuel. Never fear, God is with us!
Dear Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ to be with us. Comfort us again this year with assurance that you are with us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with the comfort of Christmas,