Dear SCC & Friends,
Immanuel ~Isaiah 7:14
Reflection #197
The name Immanuel is of Hebrew origin and means God with us. His name emphasizes that which is the center of the center which is our relationship to God… …I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ~Matt. 28:20 He came to seek and save the lost… He bore our sins and was wounded for our transgressions. He put His righteousness on us and took our sin upon Himself. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. He carries us through our valley of despair and gives us the joy of the mountaintop. Jesus will never leave or abandon us and forever remains the author and finisher of our faith. God’s love and intent is evident from the cradle to the cross… from birth to resurrection life. What can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? ~Rom. 8:31 Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph and Second Advent splendor. ~C.H. Spurgeon~
Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah penned these words… For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isa. 9:6 Jesus told us that in this world we would have tribulation, but to take courage because He has overcome the world, and that in Him we have peace. That is the Christmas message of truth and grace transcending time and space. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us.~Philip. 4:13 Keep up the good work!
Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord:
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus our Immanuel! ~Charles Wesley~
God with us,
Kevin