Immanuel: God With Us

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

...which means: "God With Us."

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

How are you doing? We are living through a bizarre time. A time in which we are asked to cover our faces for the sake of our neighbor. A time in which we are asked to remain distant from one another physically so as not to spread a virus. A time in which we are not all able to gather in person for worship as often as we like. There are more hurdles as we strive to love and keep safe our neighbor during this difficult time.

While so many things in life have changed over the last nine months, there are some things that never change. God is still here. God is still present in our lives and present amidst our fears. He promises in His Word to never leave nor forsake us.

One of the names by which we know our God is Immanuel, God with us. Our God stands by us through thick and thin. Our God remains present in our lives even when no one else is around. Our God stays locked up in our apartment or house with us so that we are never alone. Our God has come to us in human form, as a baby in a manger, and brings us life.

We are in the season of Advent and the promise of God has not changed. It is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is a promise that God will remain with us at our side. It is this message of Christmas Hope that we share into the lives of the people of New York and beyond. It is this message of Christmas Hope that our world desperately needs to hear once again. It is this message, Immanuel has come and has never left us. He will see us through.

Help us, the people, the pastors, the church workers, share this message of Immanuel, God with us with all whom we encounter, that they may know the presence of God in their lives.

To Christ be the Glory! Amen!

Rev. Derek Lecakes

President/Bishop of the Atlantic District-LCMS