Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

God with us. Jesus was that sign. I wonder if Mary ever called him Immanuel, a term of endearment? A nickname? Jesus is Immanuel, but was He called that by others?

I was raised in a church called Immanuel. Maybe at some point I knew that it meant God with us, but I’m not sure. I came to know Him as my Savior there, but not really about the personal relationship He wanted to have with me. I knew He was always present but I didn’t necessarily equate that to Him being with me, personally.

Now I still have to pause to think God is with me. I know He wants me to stop and be with Him, to turn my attention to His presence with me. I don’t have to look for a sign or a feeling, I can stand firm knowing that I am not inconveniencing God. I won’t get a voicemail or a busy signal. He is with me. Immanuel. His Spirit is here with me all the time.

Lord, thank You for Jesus as a sign that You are with me. Help me to be aware of Your presence always and to focus on relationship with You!