Immanuel, God With Us!

In my Coffee Break group, I have a number of women who are simply exploring the truth of who Jesus is. As we reflected on the Christmas story together, I was struck by the reality that many of our women have challenging stories.  

One woman lost her husband this year, another grieves adult children who have moved away. Some struggle with finances. One woman asks weekly for prayer to conceive a child. We miss loved ones or walk with a friend who is going through a marriage breakup. The older we get, the more we realize that Christmas is a difficult season for many. Often, it has been difficult for me. Perhaps this year is difficult for you.

When I go to the Bible, I am comforted to know the names of Jesus given in the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

In Isaiah 7:14 we read,  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Immanuel means God with us. The entire story of the Bible is one of a God who wants to have a relationship with His people, to be with them to the end of the age. He promises to be with us always.  

What are you struggling with today? Bring it to Jesus and invite Him to be your Wonderful Counselor. Acknowledge His power as He is the Mighty God. He loves you as your Everlasting Father. He is the Prince of Peace.  

This is the message that we have through the ministry of Coffee Break: inviting people to come to know Jesus and all that He brings, as He is Immanuel, God with us! May you experience Immanuel in new ways this Christmas.