Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:23; 2, Luke 2, Isaiah 7:14, John 1; 3:16, Revelation 19:16
The Christmas season is always a favorite time of the year for me. I enjoy the abundance of love that we pour out on one another, the gatherings, activities, food, and excitement as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In November, as the memories (sights, sounds, scents) of Christmases long ago began to permeate my senses, I found my mood being negatively and positively affected by old emotions associated with the memories. As war between the flesh (soul & body) and the spirit ensued, I began to grieve life’s events and issues, opportunities missed, dreams not realized, relationships gone bad, and loved ones who have already passed away. At the same time, I re-experienced all the beautiful memories of those past and present who have contributed to bringing joy into my life. I began to hear the lyrics to the songs, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” written by John M. Neale in 1851, and “All Hail King Jesus” written by Dave Moody in 1997. Both of these songs served as encouragement for me to continue to use praise as a weapon throughout this holiday season and forever more. God is with us and He reigns throughout eternity.
The song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” references the prophetic phrases from Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8 that foretold the birth of Jesus Christ. These prophetic phrases were repeated again as a reminder to Joseph and Mary in Matthew 1:23 “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.” In the Hebrew, Immanuel literally means Jehovah, the one true God and in the Greek Emmanuel means God with us.
Jesus birth was the sign we needed that He is with us. His death and resurrection gives us the hope and assurance that no matter what we experience, if we’ve received Jesus as Lord and Savior, He is in our hearts and will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus is with us now and we will be with Him in eternity.
As we experience the emotional ups and downs caused by the sights, sounds, scents, and memories of the Christmas season, let us not be afraid of the memories and emotions. Let us clothe ourselves fully in His garment of praise and rejoice, for Emmanuel has already come and ransomed us. Now we sing: All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel. King of kings, Lord of lords, Bright Morning Star. Throughout eternity I’ll sing Your Praises. And I’ll reign with You throughout eternity. Our praise of God will change our spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions), and help us to keep our focus this holiday season. All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel!
Reflection and Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort, deliverance, healing, and hope that come from knowing You became flesh and dwelt amongst us. Thank You Jesus for Your birth, death, and resurrection that gives me the assurance that You are with me. Thank You for knowing and understanding any emotional highs and lows that I may experience during this Christmas season. Thank You for those past and present that You allowed in my life, who all contributed to who I am today. I choose to rejoice, celebrate, and embrace the wonder of Who You are in my life and to the world. You are Emmanuel, God with us. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We join the angels in shouting “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, and goodwill toward men”. We celebrate You, Jesus! It is in Your Name we pray. Amen.