Celebrate Emmanuel

As I sit here on a beautiful Saturday morning…sun shining…birds singing…it is the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. I have reflected on what my Lord Jesus Christ suffered before His death, and I am excited for what Sunday holds— then and now.

In the past few weeks leading up to Easter, I have thought about the beautiful name, Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” We often think of it at Christmas time because that is one of the names mentioned in the scriptures that we read regarding His birth. But, how appropriate when we think of His death.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 KJV

In reflection, however, it seems to me that Jesus was never more human than in His death. The suffering he faced…no one should ever have had to. I sometimes wonder how humans can be so cruel to each other; but then I know, but for the grace of God, we could all be there.

Emmanuel.

God with us.

He came and experienced life.

He gave His life.

He gave us life…life more abundant!

He does not force that life on us.

He simply offers for us to accept…accept Him.

AND He…

He will be with us.

“…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

Matthew 28:20 NLT