Immanuel - God with us.
In Genesis, God appeared to a naked, frightened Adam and Eve. "Where are you?". A question posed solely for their benefit, not God's. They had lost their way and the best solution they could find was to hide. Lost and hiding, nakedness covered by their own devices. God arrives in the moment of their deepest need, in the middle of the mess they made and greets their self inflicted tragedy with compassion. God will not abide their hiding or ignore their need. but sin has consequences. an animal sacrifice would be required to cover their nakedness. a legacy of separation and struggle, born of a desire to be "like God", was forged that day. Immanuel intervened with the promise of heaven's hope for all man. God with us.
Immanuel - God with us.
four thousand years later (and not just a few skinned knees and broken hearts), God appeared again - to seek and save that which had gotten lost. Immanuel. the bridegroom had come for His bride, but she was reluctant. He had come with needle and thread to weave a garment fit for eternity. He had come with a message that there is no sin beyond the reach of His forgiveness. but sin has consequences. once again, we would be reminded that clothing our nakedness would come at a price. Mary treasured these things in her heart. Immanuel. God with us. Golgotha. Once for all. An empty tomb. the legacy of separation - broken. God with us.
Immanuel - God with us.
two thousand years later, at the point of my need, in the middle of my mess, God appeared again. "You are not beyond my reach. You are not without hope and help. Hide and seek is over, I have found you. I have your robe. You are welcome at My table." Immanuel. God with me... God with you. God with us.
