We can't even begin to fathom, 2000 years later, what that was really like, what that meant to those living at the time of the Messiah's birth, to the shepherds who received the good news from the angels, to the Magi who followed the star and fell at their feet to worship the Christ Child. I've alluded to this before, but studying the Old Testament and the lives of the ancient Israelites made Christmas so precious to me.
Think of the Israelites: Years of slavery followed by wandering in the wilderness, finally reaching the Promised Land only to settle for earthly kings who fell fall short of God's requirements. Trying to follow a law that only revealed the darkness within their adulterous hearts which turned away time and time again from their covenant God to worship dead, worthless, man-made idols. The tabernacle and the temple, with its Holy of Holies where only the high priest could enter, and then only once a year. The continual need for a sacrifice, which could only cover - but not remove - sin. Hearing a word from God only through prophets. Carried away once again in exile to a foreign land. Finally allowed to return home. But then. . .silence.
400 long years of silence. No prophets. No signs. No word from God.
When suddenly, the very Son of God took on flesh and was born as a baby.
Immanuel. Our God is with us.
IMMANUEL A sign shall be given A virgin will conceive A human baby bearing Undiminished deity The glory of the nations A light for all to see Hope for all who will embrace His warm reality Immanuel Our God is with us And if God is with us Who could stand against us Our God is with us Immanuel For all those who live in the shadow of death A glorious light has dawned For all those who stumble in the darkness Behold your light has come Immanuel Our God is with us And if God is with us Who could stand against us Our God is with us Immanuel So what will be your answer? Will you hear the call? Of Him who did not spare His son But gave him for us all On earth there is no power There is no depth or height That could ever separate us From the love of God in Christ Immanuel Our God is with us And if God is with us Who could stand against us Our God is with us Immanuel Words & Music by Michael Card
I love this song and it really shares the message of Christmas. It can be overwhelming to think about how much God loves us. Thank you for sharing the video and also the words to this lovely song. Merry Christmas to you and your family Linda.
ReplyDeleteI love this song too....we performed this contada at our church many years ago. It was so beautiful!! My devotion this morning was about this very thing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that is so long that I almost forgot I knew it until the chorus! I love Steve Green! Merry Christms Linda!
ReplyDeleteIt continues to be one of my favorites too! Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteThe little church I grew up in was named "Emmanuel," and I was so full of PRIDE because I thought we were the only church where "God is with us." Ha. Merry Christmas sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this song, I so love the messages in Christmas Music. A blessed and merry Christmas my friend.
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