What's in a name?

• Isaiah 7:14  "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

       A careful search from heaven finds a young maiden that God should choose to indwell in this special way.  This choice was not necessarily for her looks but rather for her integrity and her desire to do what is right. 

      What is in a name?  This prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 was given approximately 700 years before that great event of the birth of Jesus Christ, yet names the child Immanuel which by definition is "God with us".  Not only did this refer to God being on earth with us in the form of Jesus Christ during His life and ministry; but also refers to His tabernacling in our hearts.  This tabernacle experience truly allows for His shekinah glory (Exodus 34:5) to shine through our lives.  The words "shekinah glory" means the presence of the glory of God.
      The journey we are on requires a presence that is greater than our own to make it through.  We need Immanuel or "God with us" in our lives.  The things we face can be depressing, overwhelming, unnerving or whatever other words fit in there for you; but if we have Jesus Christ, God our Savior, in our hearts we do not have to let our circumstances overshadow our faith in God.

Merry Christmas