Topic: Immanuel: God With Us [Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 25 December 2020]
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Immanuel: God With Us
Matthew 1:18-25
Throughout human history, heaven was God’s dwelling place, and except for a few personal encounters (as with Abraham, Hagar, and Jacob), He seemed far away to most people. Then the Lord came to the Israelites in a pillar of cloud and fire, and later in the tabernacle and temple. But in time, He would do something new and even more remarkable: He would come to earth and live as a man.
Before this God-man was even born, He was given two names. The first one—Immanuel—tells us who He is: “God with us.” This long-awaited Messiah took on human flesh, walked among men, and suffered the weaknesses of humanity. Yet He also displayed the power of almighty God as He healed the sick, cast out demons, calmed the sea, and raised the dead.
The other name He was given—Jesus—means “The Lord is salvation.” This is what He came to do and why He had to become Immanuel: to save us from sin. Since the Father is immortal, He sent His Son to take on a human body and offer Himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for your sins and mine.
What do these two names of Christ mean for you today? Jesus is here, and no sinful habit, painful past, or present struggle is too difficult for Him to overcome.
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