Emmanuel ~ God is with us!

   Ancient Hebrew names were given to designate the true essence of the person.
  Adam means from the ground.  Isaac means he laughs, Abram means exalted father, and Sarai means princess. This is why - when people entered into relationship with God -   new names were often part of the deal.  

   When God stepped in the very essence of their lives changed.  ‘Exalted Father’ (Abram) becomes ‘Father of Multitudes’ (Abraham).  ‘Princess’ (Sarai) becomes ‘Noblewoman’ (Sarah). ‘Heel Holder’ (Jacob) becomes ‘God Prevails’ (Israel).  ‘Heard’ (Simon) becomes ‘Rock’ (Peter). Names, in ancient Hebrew culture, mean a lot. Which begs the question, what does Jesus’ name mean?

  ‘Jesus’ is the Greek translation of His Hebrew name, ‘Yeshua’ meaning ‘Salvation’.  That baby, who arrived on the scene in a barn in Bethlehem is, at His very essence, Salvation.  Salvation, however, is not His full, God-given name. We find that in Isaiah 9:6  where His complete essence is expressed: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  Let’s break it down in an effort to get a clear picture of the essence of the Lord Who Is Salvation.

            Wonderful: a miracle, a marvel, extraordinary, astonishing and tremendously significant.

            Counselor: counsel, advise, plan, and execute.  

 This Wonderful Counselor is the astonishing miraculous adviser Who will marvelously execute His plans, combining God’s purposes with miraculous counsel.  He will know God’s perfect will and perfectly bring it to pass. This is the first part of His magnificent essence. 

           Mighty God:  Champion of the universe, Supreme warrior of all creation, very mighty, very powerful, a hero. 

This promised Child will be born to power.  He will strike terror in, and conquer His enemy.  This is a reason to celebrate!

  Everlasting:  perpetual, continuing, eternal. 

            Father:   source

This Child will be the namesake and carry the identity of the Father forever.  He comes with the mantle of the Father forever, making His promises irrevocable!   

           Prince: official with the legal authority.  

 (of) Peace: well-being in all aspects of life; physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

  His authority extends to all creation.  Everything came into being through Him.  This is no subordinate ruler, no lesser prince.  This is the King of Glory! 

And in Matthew 1:22-23 upon his arrival in the earth, we’re his essence expanded to include:

Emmanuel: The God Who dwells with us!

His indwelling presence is come to change the essence of our being.  What a magnificent Savior! What a magnificent reason to celebrate!