Immanuel: The With Us God

Isaiah 9:6-7- For to us a child is born,to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The Jews were looking for a Messiah. A Savior. Someone to overthrow Roman government and save them and redeem them. They were looking for a Ruler, who would establish His kingdom. What they got instead, came in the form of an innocent, humble baby. Born to a teenaged mother and a confused earthly father. Born in an animal's home, with only rags to wrap Him in to keep out the cold. Immanuel. God With Us... or the With Us God.

Today, I've been thinking a lot about this with us God. I've really been thinking of Mary. I can't imagine how she would have felt on this night so long ago. This close, her belly would have been large with child. She probably couldn't get comfortable if her life depended on it. Exhaustion would have been a normal state, most likely. Add to that the whispers of those around her. So many who probably didn't believe her story, who doubted what she said, who might have even thought she was crazy. Talk about teenage drama! And then there was Joseph. What a guy! Standing up for his beloved, having faith that the angel was right, and that this was the plan... THE plan.

The plan. For the With Us God. A stand-in for our sins, one who had to be tempted as we are, but without sin. Tempted and trialed by poverty at a young age. Danger enough to make his parents flee to a far off country. Learning at a young age that He was different. Human rules didn't necessarily apply to this Young boy... but still... the Word made Flesh. Tempted by the devil. Hungry. Thirsty. Ridiculed by His own earthly family and so many others. Then, suffering persecution, hatred, scorn to die on a cross for my sins. And Yours. The God With us... the God who died FOR us... because we were unable. Yes, He will be everything that the Jews were looking for when He returns to rule His kingdom. He will be the Prince of Peace. He is our Everlasting Father. He is a Mighty God, and a Wonderful Counselor when you have problems. But today, tonight, in this moment... He is Immanuel. Right here with us. In the midst. Thank You, Lord, that Your death ripped the veil and I have access, and that I can call on You whenever, wherever. How amazing is Your plan! God With Us... Grace, personified.