The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, in the midst of many other prophecies, foretells the birth of the Messiah this way: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14, Holy Bible, New International Version.

Emmanuel means “God dwells with us.” And because of the vastness of his love, this God of celestial riches descended from a heavenly throne to come dwell among the earthly humans He had created. Thus, the historical birth of a Baby Boy to an innocent young girl probably in her early teens became the greatest gift God gave to the world since He breathed the breath of life into the first man Adam.

What did the Son of God do as He dwelt among humankind? As a child Jesus grew physically and mentally—see Luke 2:52. As an adult He called his disciples—see Matthew 10:1-4. He healed the sick—see Matthew 4:23-25. He taught in the synagogue—see Mark 1:21. And Jesus was crucified—see Luke 23:32-34. He died—see Luke 23:44-46. He arose from his burial tomb—see Luke 24:33-35.

Everything Jesus did in his approximately three and a half years of ministry after his baptism by John the Baptist—see Matthew 3:13-17—was “to seek and to save the lost”—see Luke 19:10. Jesus today is still calling disciples and still seeking to save the lost.

Here’s a poem I’ve written to express my relationship with Emmanuel.

Emmanuel Dwells With Me

Who is Emmanuel?
He is the newborn King,
The Baby in the stable
About whom angels sing.

But He became my Teacher
And his love foretold the way
To God’s eternal vision
For my life ev’ry day.

The Emmanuel Who Dwells With Me:
2024 Christmas Devotional & Poem
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2024
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com

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Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with laughter and creativity!