Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Matthew 1:23

Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” which means, “God is with us.

It had been a long time coming. Isaiah the prophet gave King Ahaz a sign of a virgin who is with child and would bear a son. The son would be given the name Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

In Matthew’s Gospel, the waiting time is over as the Virgin Mary gave birth to the child who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The child Jesus is also known as Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

The Glory to God commentator notes “This simple and meditative Advent hymn is so uncomplicated both in text and tune that it can be learned quickly and sung without reference to a book, which might make it effective as a prayer response. It would also lend itself to improvised stanzas on appropriate occasions. The scriptural reference is clearly seen in the third line: “Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel.”

Given that Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we must not forget that Advent prepares us for our Lord’s second coming. The reader is referred to Revelation 22:20 – “The one who testifies to these things says: “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” While we are waiting, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Prayer

O God, we wait as did the prophet Isaiah, but he and others waited for the child Emmanuel to come. We wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come again – this time in glory and power to usher in your Kingdom. Keep us watchful as we wait for His second coming. In His name we pray. Amen.