Christmas Special 04 - Immanuel.

It was quite a while ago… In fact, a long time ago since the prophet Isaiah had mentioned two particular prophecies that are currently in My mind.

Isaiah had lived a fruitful life. During his days, he said a lot of godly things, good ones, that the people didn’t seem to want to hear nor try to understand. In fact, regarding these two particular prophecies, a lot of people had questioned him (or his prophecies for that matter), since he had lived and passed on without seeing them fulfilled.

You may be wondering, “What prophecies? What exactly did Isaiah say or prophesy that didn’t come to pass in his lifetime?”

Well, for one, Isaiah said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name ‘Immanuel’ (‘God With Us’).”

“What??? The virgin shall conceive and bear a Son???” What reactions he got for saying that!

And Isaiah’s other prophecy was this, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” That certainly made some people wonder, asking “What is it with Isaiah and the ‘Son’?” And “Isn’t the Son’s name supposed to be ‘Immanuel’ (‘God With Us’)?”

Around 700 years had passed since then. The time for the fulfilment had now come…

It was a beautiful night in Bethlehem. The night when the Child was born; the Son was born. The multitude of heavenly host were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” The shepherds from the fields too were glorifying and praising God.

What was the name of this newborn Child?

My name is JESUS. I AM Immanuel, ‘God With Us’. I AM called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Behold, I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world!

Reference: Isaiah 7, Isaiah 9, Matthew 1, Matthew 28, Luke 2.