immanuel
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This painting is the Hebrew word for "Immanuel" which means God with us. The Hebrew name Immanuel occurs twice in the Old Testament in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:7. Isaiah writes in Isaiah 7:14 "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel”
Seven centuries later this prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 came true with the birth of Jesus. In those days a couple were legally married at the time of betrothal, when the couple and parents agreed and two witnesses signed the Ketubah (marriage contract). Then the groom would go back to his family’s home for twelve months to prepare. A year later he would return for his virgin bride, usually at night, and take her to his father’s home for a huge wedding feast that lasted several days. Before Joseph came to get Mary, he found out she was pregnant. Those who committed adultery could be stoned to death, yet Mary was innocent. The story continues. Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. In spite of our separation through disobedience and sin, our loving Father God reached out to us first and longs to be with us. He sent His only son to pay for our sins through his death on the cross, so we could have eternal life with Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. |