Immanuel, as one of those words that scripture (both the old and new testaments) gives us for Jesus, gets pretty short shrift in our prayer life. We sing about Immanuel during advent, “ransoming captive Israel” and all that. We hear the name a few times during the Christmas season. But by the New Year the word seemingly disappears and gets put away in the attic with the rest of the Christmas decorations, stuffed in between the three wise men and the inflatable Santa.
Immanuel deserves better. In fact, Jesus can be best defined by this one word, Paul Coutinho said this past weekend. Immanuel means “God with us,” and we would be hard pressed to think of a better way to address Jesus in prayer than with this name that reminds us that God is not “up there, somewhere,” but rather right here, with us and in us. It’s a beautiful, prayerful name that flows easily from our lips, reminding us that God is as close to us as our breath itself. It’s time to bring Immanuel out of the attic, dust off the tinsel, and make him a part of our everyday prayer life.
Ask yourself in silence: Where do I picture God when I pray — off in the distance or nearer than my own breath?
4 comments On Today’s Word: Immanuel
Such wholesome thoughts as I struggle with health issues. Helps me to understand that I need not have to go through these tough issues in my life alone. God is with me every step of the way.
Thanks for the insight!
Thanks, Mary. Indeed, you are not alone. Embrace the presence of God with you in these difficult times. And you have my prayers, too…
God is with us! Alleluia! How quickly my perspective can change when I just think of the word “Emmanuel” and how true, I have reserved it for a certain seasons. Another word I never thought to meditate on. Thank you, Steve!
Mary, I will keep you in my prayers. I too struggle daily with health issues. Remembering we are never alone, and a circle of prayer surrounds us, is a blessing.
Kathleen