Immanuel (Colossians 1:19-20)

Devos.HipHop

Sintax the Terrific || Curb Appeal

When you think about Jesus’ birth what comes to mind? Is it the infant in the manger? The magi bearing gifts? Or how about the shepherds watching their flock only to be greeted by an angelic host proclaiming his arrival? All of those are great, but they pale in comparison to the awesome wonder that makes the Christmas season truly worth celebrating.

When Jesus was born something spectacular happened. God performed one of his biggest miracles. The infinite, holy, and invisible God quite literally crammed all of his “godness” into human flesh and dwelt among his creation. But, why did God feel it was necessary to do such a thing? Well, way back in Genesis 3, Adam & Eve disobeyed God and plunged his beautiful creation into a tailspin of sin, death, and destruction, and that’s putting it lightly. But because God is God and knows all, he already had a plan in motion, even before Adam & Eve messed up. While this plan would take thousands of years to make happen, it began to take shape when a virgin named Mary gave birth to a son, this very same Jesus we’re talking about. God’s plan was simple: live the perfect life we couldn’t & die a horrific death on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. And he did it, perfectly.

The most impressive part of all this is that it truly pleased God to do it. He didn’t need to have his arm twisted or be coerced into performing such a heroic task. No, God was pleased to dwell with man, as a man. He volunteered himself to do what we couldn’t, all so we could have peace with him. This is why the heavenly host joyfully said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) and why we call Jesus the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Unfortunately, not all of humanity will experience this peace. While Jesus came to rescue us from sin, only those who recognize their need for God’s forgiveness can receive the free gift that he offers. For many of us Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts, but God offered us the greatest gift of all when he sent his son to us in a manger in a little town called Bethlehem.

In a very real sense Jesus was the embodiment of the name Immanuel, which means “God with us.” God was with us from the beginning because he had a plan to restore and forgive us. He was with us, walking and talking beside us in the form of Jesus, the God-man, showing us how to live. And he is still with us through his indwelling Holy Spirit, the gift he promised to those who love him. Even when he feels far, God is with us. Therefore, every day should be a celebration of God being with us and for us! Glory be to God, our Immanuel!

Dig Deeper

1. According to Galatians 4:4-5, what was God’s purpose in sending his son to us?
2. Read John 14:27. The Hebrew word “shalom” means more than just peace, but implies blessing and wellbeing. How does God’s peace differ from any that the world can give us?
3. Read Matthew 28:20. How is Jesus our Immanuel, even now? How can you know that God is with you daily?

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Background music: Customary “Where are You Going” & “Come Back Down to Earth” from album Plaque Bird (Instrumentals) – courtesy of Customary