“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.”

Matthew 1:25

Just for a moment, imagine the prophet Isaiah sitting quietly in a densely-lit room in 742 BC.  His eyes are slightly open as he focuses his attention on his bent knees.  His hands are embracing the worn bones as the prophet remains perfectly still while intently listening to God.   Isaiah’s reverence for God's presence keeps his head bowed as God whispers a future event with just enough details that would encourage a generation of Jewish women to cherish their godly and pure lives in the presence of God and others. After all, the prophecy could very well be meant for her, her daughter, or her daughter's daughters in the years to come. 

The qualification for the chosen woman in Matthew 1:25 only includes one attribute, her virginity. Yet, as if marriage and childbirth weren't enough to ponder in a woman’s life, the actual manifestation of the betrothal and the birth would be unimaginable, divine, and eventful–one of those moments that echo the heart of scripture, “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly more than you can ask or imagine.”  At last, the prophecy finally found its way to a virgin named Mary and a young man named Joseph (Luke 1:26-38). Yet their names will not be as significant as Emmanuel and its meaning, God with us.

Today, the name and definition of Emmanuel should bring hope and relief to educators surrounded by various circumstances that can only be solved by the Almighty, Wonderful, Powerful, and wise God. Everything about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, including His omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence is available each and every day.  Isn’t this good news?  So why is the field so dry and rocky? Could it be because of the lack of understanding of the will of God in this harvest?  Does the saint need a reminder, a gentle nudge, or a wake-up call from the God who never sleeps nor slumbers, the One who hears and listens? Jumping ship doesn’t solve the problem.  It simply leaves one less set of hands and a gracious heart to work the sails and ropes when one yells, “All hands on deck!” 

As the 22-23 school year is fast on its way, let us revisit what it means to have a living God on our side and in our classrooms.  Let’s return to the truth of God’s word that the Lord is near.  Let’s daily walk in the light as we are children of the Light.  Let’s remember that we have access to His throne of grace where we can find grace and mercy to help us in the time of trouble.  Let’s be hearers and doers of His word so that the entire school receives the blessings of the Lord.

May God bless you to walk with Emmanuel each and every day.