Unwrapping the Names of Jesus-Day 1
In the treasure of my memories is a nativity set that belonged to my mom. It was a simple stable and the various figurines of Joseph, Mary, the Three Wisemen, the Shepherds, sheep, and camels. But, of course, the centerpiece was a manager and the baby Jesus. This treasure brought much pleasure over the years, especially to my sons and my niece, Melissa. Melissa would come, and she would take the baby Jesus, and we would sing, “Away in a Manager.”
Beloved, this is the first week of advent. In many homes across the United States, people are lighting candles to celebrate the beginning of the birth of Jesus. The first candle is a pink candle for hope. Read with me the first name of Jesus. 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. Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. The Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon you and your people and your father’s house—days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah.” Isaiah 7: 14-17. NKJV.
The definition of Immanuel is Immanuel is a Hebrew name that appears in the Book of Isaiah as a sign that God will protect the House of David. The Gospel of Matthew interprets this as a prophecy of the birth of the Messiah and the fulfillment of Scripture in the person of Jesus.
God planned for the arrival of Jesus and foretold of His birth thousands of years ago. So how does Jesus’ light bring hope to the world? In what way can you shine the light and share the hope of Immanuel today?
Beloved, my niece loved the baby Jesus so much that she accepted Jesus as her savior. When did you accept Jesus as your savior? Will you be a light and hope and share your testimony with someone this week?
Father God, thank you for the baby, the child, Immanuel. Thank you for sending Jesus as the light and hope of the world. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
