Four weeks before the beginning of Advent, I decided I wanted to write a devotional to share with my readers.

Since Advent is all about the anticipation of and waiting for the arrival of Jesus, I focused my writing on the names of Jesus.

Each day since November 28th, we have opened our email and opened the scriptures to see Jesus in the context of one of His names.

This study has been such a blessing to write! The feedback from my readers has inspired and encouraged me.

With only two days left in the study, I wanted to share one devotion, from Day 8, with all of you.

Day 8 – Introducing . . . Jesus: An Advent Celebration

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matt 1:23)

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isa 7:14)

Find a comfortable position. Breathe deeply and ask the Holy Spirit to join you for this time of meditation.

Immanuel, a familiar name of Jesus during this season of Advent. Meaning “God with us.” It speaks to the union of the two natures of Christ: being fully man and fully God.

As Matthew Henry says, “a mysterious name, but very precious.”

Matthew makes it clear that Mary’s baby is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. (Matt 1:23)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, (John 1:14)

This very act of Jesus, incarnate (embodied in flesh) dwelling among us, is an act of peace. An act of reconciliation. And a fulfillment of the covenant of grace.

‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’ “ (Jer 30:22)

Immanuel, God with us, echoes the timelessness of God. Back to the name given to the gospel church of Ezekiel’s vision (Eze 48:45), Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there; the Lord of hosts is with us and forward into the not yet of Rev 21:3:

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

See Jesus: It’s difficult to juggle the truth of Jesus being fully God and fully man. The glory of it renders us a little foolish, like when Peter saw the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17:2. Peter wanted to set up tents for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses to live in. The Truth is, Jesus lives inside each of us. We are His tabernacle.

See yourself: 1 Cor 3:16 says, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Do you see yourself this way? What does it mean for you to live out this Truth?

Celebrate: Make it a point to schedule time for self-care this week. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or better yet, some time each day. Honor God by taking care of your body. (Rom 12:1)

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