Tonight's Word 🌱

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means God with us).
- Matthew 1: 22-23 🌱

Immanuel. What a comforting name. This was God's best gift wrapped 'present' to us - His 'presence' with humanity. This gift came filled with a true knowledge of God's loving regard for us, His salvation and paid ransom for us from sin, to show us the path in the here and now, and hope for His eternal kingdom. 

What a precious experience to have witnessed and interacted with Jesus, been touched by Him, to have shared a laugh with Him or listen to His precious voice teaching through parables and sermons. All we have is the historical accounts to hold on to. 

The good news that resonates from then until now is that this same God still wants to 'be with us', and this time forever. No matter the challenges of this life, we have the hope of seeing Him again face to face. I look forward to meeting Him. How about you? 

Be blessed by the following selection, which is my favorite musical rendition of this reflective hymn. 🙏🎧

(See lyrics below)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel [The Piano Guys]

1

O come, O come, Immanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Immanuel shall come to thee,

O Israel.

2

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

And order all things far and night;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And cause us in her ways to go.

3

O come, Desire of nations, bind

All peoples in one heart and mind;

Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;

Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.