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Matthew 1:22, 23 - HIS NAME IS IMMANUEL.

Matthew 1:22, 23 (NKJV) So all this was done 
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by 
the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, 
the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, 
and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is 
translated, "God with us."  

COMMENTARY PEARL

God Is Paying Attention
   I cant think of a time of year when 
its easier to lose God than at Christmastime. 
   In many of the Christmas specials we 
watch on television and the songs people perform, 
theres no mention of Jesus. I honestly think many 
of us know the Dickens story A Christmas 
Carol more than the story of Mary, Joseph, and the 
baby Jesus. 
   Its possible to lose God in this 
season. Of course, we cant really lose God, but 
we can lose sight of Him. However, He never 
loses sight of us. Hes constantly thinking 
about us. We see this exemplified in the blessing 
God gave the priests to pronounce over the 
people of Israel: The Lord bless you and keep 
you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and 
be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His 
countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 
6:24-26 NKJV). 
   In the original language, the phrase 
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you 
means to look, see, and pay full attention. 
   We dont pay as much attention to each 
other as we used to. The reason for this is the 
existence of smartphones. People go out to dinner and 
spend most of the time staring at their devices. 
Or theyre out walking their dogs and looking 
at their phones. 
   Researchers have found that we have a 
generation of people who prefer texting to talking. 
Thus, many of these people might not understand 
social cues, such as making eye contact or nodding 
in affirmation when someones speaking to 
them. 
   Thats not true of God. When were 
talking, Gods listening. Hes taking in every 
word that we say. Hes very interested. The 
essential message of Christmas is Immanuel, God with 
us. We may lose sight of God, but He never loses 
sight of us. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; 
https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Matthew 1:22, 23 - HIS NAME IS IMMANUEL.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221204-0959.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/