God with Us

We are taking on different parts of the Christmas story this year. Last week was Mary - the teenager whose deep faith was displayed in a wonderful song, saturated with Scripture and humility.

This week we move to Matthew, and the interesting phrase Immanuel - which means God with us. For the longest time that word made me feel good. Matthew was telling us how wonderful it was that God had entered the world. Jesus was the child that would be God's full self-disclosure.

But Matthew is quoting Is 7:14 - there Immanuel (God with Us) is not a good thing, but a bad thing. When Immanuel comes, judgment on the covenant people of God follows.

Is Jesus appearance a good thing for you? Immanuel means judgment for some. But for others, "O Come O Come Immanuel, And ransom captive Israel!" We will sing that song this Sunday.

Darren