Reflection #3 on "Adoration" by Newsboys  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 03/17/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14

	From the album "Adoration: The Worship Album" (2003) Read the song lyrics...

He raises a wrinkled hand
Through the dust and the flies
Wrapped in rags like we are

Do you know what Immanuel means? God with us. Most of us know this from the description of Jesus in the opening chapter of the Book of Matthew:

"'Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which translated means, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23 NASB).

But do you know that this is not the first place this name is mentioned? Look at Isaiah:

"'Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14 NASB).

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, before the angel spoke to Mary about the Child, God called Him by the name Immanuel-God with us. This was always His purpose. From the Garden of Eden where He came to walk with Adam in the cool of the day, to His conversations with Abraham and Moses, God has desired to be with us. But our sin separated us from Him. And in Christ, through His birth, life, death and resurrection God has made a way for us to be together again, not just in heaven but every day.

Come let us adore him.
He has come down to this barren land
Where we live.

The Newsboys sing about those who were first to experience His presence in the song "Adoration." The lines of this song tell us that He came, wrapped in rags as we are and He won't let go of any hand that reaches out to Him.

Have you taken His hand? Like this shepherd, you must reach out to Him. Reach to His open nail-pierced hand and take Him at His word-God with us, our Immanuel.

O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him
Jesus, Our Immanuel
Is with us here and he won't let go

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14