‘Immanuel’ is a name specifically used to refer to Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. It is a name symbolic of Jesus’ ministry whereby He was not only physically present on earth but also sent the Holy Spirit to be with all people. The name means ‘God is with us’. It is first used in Isaiah 7 to prophesy of Jesus’ coming.

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 

Isaiah 7:10-14

The name ‘Immanuel’ is used again at the account of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

When we use this name, we acknowledge that God is with us.

Consider God as Immanuel.

Take some time to meditate on this aspect of God and worship Him for being Immanuel. 

Write down what it means for God to be Immanuel in your life.