This past week, I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend a Piano Guys (one of my favorite musical groups) concert. It was a moving experience. During the concert, the member of the duo who plays the cello (not the piano!), Steven Sharp Nelson, shared with the audience some struggles he has been having recently. He talked about this as part of the introduction to the song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, saying this song has given him comfort during his trying times. He then proceeded to play a very emotional solo.
It was obviously quite remarkable and memorable. Pondering this since then, I’ve realized how much sense this makes.
The name “Emmanuel” means “God with us”:
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”).
Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV)
And also, when the Old Testament prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’s coming, one of the other names he said would be given to him is “Prince of Peace”:
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
So, if life is kicking your butt, sing (and pray) O come, O come, “God with Us”.
Stressed out? O come, O come, “Prince of Peace”.
Financial troubles? Beaten down by an addiction? Friendless and feeling invisible? O come, O come, Emmanuel.
Call on his name and he will give you peace. It’s what he does. It’s why he came.
My friends, as we eagerly await the arrival and re-arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ, let me wish you all a holy and merry Christmas that is blessed with hope, love, joy, and peace.
Love,
Dave
Master's Canvas - Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter 