Emmanuel/Immanuel (from Hebrew: “im/עִם” = with + “el/אֵל” = God. Meaning, “God is with us”)
The One who is working within, among, and through us.
The One who gave up Himself, so that we could experience redemption and true peace.
The One who came to this earth and lived the life of a servant.
The One who has compassion on the lost, the orphans, the prostitutes, the thieves, the ones in need of healing, the possessed, the addicted, the black sheep, the “perfect” ones who pretend to have it all together, the prodigal.
The One who lived among us, was received by very few, and rejected by many.
The One who died up on a cross, carried on Himself the weight of every sin.
The One who defeated sin, the devil, fear, doubt, bitterness, death, anxiety, evil, darkness, and everything that once ruled over us.
The One who rose again that we might LIVE!!!
The One who dwells with us… in joy, in pain, in grief and in happiness.
The One who made hope available to every soul, truth to set us free, and light to bring us out of the darkness.
The One who is always with us and never will forsake us.
The One who has promised to return again soon, to receive His redeemed unto Himself for eternity.
The One to whom every single knee will bow on that day, even those who’ve rejected Him.
The One who knows your own name, the part of you that’s hidden from everyone, your struggles, the pain and emptiness in your heart, your story, AND your greatest need… That need is to receive Him into your heart, to make Himself first in your life, and to give you life everlasting.
The One who brought you to this exact time, place, and season, placing specific people in your life, for such a time as this.
The One who cries when you cry, hears every word you pray, and watches over you with love.
Emmanuel.
“O come, O come Emmanuel!….”
We long for You, we cry out to You in our need, and we praise You for who You are.
Amanda Burkey
Author bio: Amanda Burkey is a 1st-grade teacher at a country school in Nebraska. She loves sunsets & starry nights spent talking to Jesus, learning from other’s life experiences, attempting to keep plants alive, and spending time with children. Miniature cows are a side hobby for her, along with anything artsy.
You can reach out to her at or @nebraska_joy on Instagram