Immanuel - God With Us: A 6-Day Advent Devotional From the Team at Gather25Sample

As the Israelites settled into the Promised Land, God continued to give them leaders - first a series of judges, and then kings. The second king of Israel, David, found himself pondering a thought from his own palace: “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent” (2 Samuel 7:2). He wanted to build God a permanent place to dwell that was worthy of his glory! But God told him that he wanted his son, the future King Solomon, to build it instead.

Solomon’s spectacular temple shared many similarities with the Tabernacle - it had a large court, an altar for burnt offerings, and most importantly, a Most Holy Place (still only entered once a year by the High Priest) where God himself could dwell. 2 Chronicles 7 tells us that as soon as Solomon finished his prayer to dedicate the temple, fire came down from heaven and “the glory of the Lord filled the temple” (2 Chronicles 7:1).

The Israelites were surely in awe and perhaps even afraid when this happened. But the Bible tells us that, in this moment, they “gave thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever’” (2 Chronicles 7:3). For the Israelites, God’s presence was both a reminder of his holiness and also of his goodness and love. Psalm 16:11 tells us, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” When we draw near to God, his holy presence moves us to worship and fills us with joy.

The years following Solomon’s reign would be marked by chaos. Israel would turn away from God and, after hundreds of years of rebellion, be conquered and led to exile. Solomon’s beautiful temple would be destroyed, and God would no longer dwell in it.

During these dark years, though, God sent prophets to warn and encourage the people. One of these prophets, Isaiah, brought his shining message of hope:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

Immanuel - God with us - was coming for his people. Even in their darkest days of rebellion and defeat, hope was on the horizon. The God who had been making ways to be with his children since the garden would be back soon, this time as a baby.

God, I praise you that “in your presence there is fullness of joy.” Thank you that, through Jesus, there is no condemnation when I draw near to be with you. Show me who in my life also needs your joy.

Reflect: How does the idea of being in the presence of God make you feel? Does it make you feel shame or fill you with joy? Meditate on Psalm 16:11 as you consider this.