I used to think that the word Emanuel was seasonal.  In other words, I saw it as being related to the Christmas and Holiday Seasons.  But it means so much more than that.

Emanuel translated from the Hebrew word means “God with us”. Emmanuel  shows us that we have a God that understands because He walked in our shoes, as Christ and felt the things we feel.  He understands our pain and discomfort from being misjudged and unwelcomed.  Emmanuel also means that God understands what we are going through, and it shows us that He doesn’t just want us to follow the rules and get it right more than His desire for a relationship with us. Truth is He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

I can remember a time in my life when God was the last thing on my mind and having a relationship with Him was even less important.  But by the time life was done throwing me around—I quickly realized that He was truly what I needed all along.  I became grateful for all the times my mom made me go to church when I really didn’t want to.

Having Christ in our life—means God is with us in all things.  Whether we get it right all the time or not—God is with us, and we are “Still Saved”.  Whether we feel worthy or justified—He’s with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.  It’s time for us to stop trying to get everything perfect and start embracing the fact that Christ died so we could have that fellowship with God every day.  We will have good days and bad days—but we are “Still Saved”. Salvation is based on the finished work of Christ and our willingness to embrace the love of God.  Remember, God is with us always—He is Emmanuel!