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 NIV)
“They will call him Immanuel.” As Christmas approaches it is quite likely that you will read and/or hear this passage multiple times. And how many times will you sing, or hear, a song mentioning Immanuel? It is such a common expression at Christmas that I suspect we miss the impact of just what this name means; “God with us”.
God, the uncaused, eternal, infinite, transcendent creator of the universe. Becoming incarnate, taking on human flesh. Living for nine months in Mary’s womb, followed by childbirth and infancy. Growing to be a man. Becoming the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, did you know“, written by Mark Lowry. It always causes me to stop and consider this baby we see pictured in a manager; to see him as Immanuel. And my prayer is that each of us would consider Immanuel this Christmas; not just as a baby, but as God himself.
Mary, Did You Know
Mary did you know that your baby boy will someday walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.Oh Mary did you know
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lambMary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Michael English – Mary, Did You Know
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.
