The name Emmanuel means God is with us. God is with us regardless to our problems or
circumstances. Isn’t that good news!
Our text begins by letting us know that Joseph, Jesus’ step
father, was engaged to be married to Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. Yet, Virgin Mary discovered that she was
pregnant with Jesus, although she had never been touched by man. For Joseph, this pregnancy suggested that
Mary was unfaithful to their commitment to be married. Scripture provides some indication that
Joseph struggled over this conflict. In
that Joseph was a just man, he was concerned about doing what was acceptable in
God’s eyesight. You can imagine the distress,
heartache, and despair that this posed for Joseph.
However, God had appointed an Angel to inform Joseph that
the child that “Mary has conceived was of the Holy Ghost.” Also, the Angel told
Joseph the name that the Son of Mary shall be called. His name shall be Emmanuel, which means God
is with us!
It is good to know that God is with us in spite of our
circumstances or problems. God is with
us even in the midst of our heartache and pain. In this Holiday season, we
should strive to be sensitive to the fact that some are struggling with pain
and despair. Yet, regardless to our
circumstances, it’s comforting to know that God is with us. God will never forsake us. God has promised
that He will always be with us, even to the end of the World.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with economic despair,
loneliness, depression, or sadness, I urge you to draw close to a forever
loving God. The Word declares that if we
draw close to God, He will draw close to you. (James 4:8) To the lonely, God will be your company
keeper. To those loaded with burdens, God will be your burden bearer, and your
heavy load sharer. God is with us! Praise His Holy Name!
Rev. Dr. A.L. Purham, Sr., Pastor
Freedom Baptist Church
#Freedom
#Church
Emmanuel: God is with us!