Preparing for Sunday

Song Highlight: Immanuel

This week’s hymn highlight is Immanuel by Michael Card. Michael Card is Christian songwriter and Bible teacher who’s music was most prominent in the 1980’s-early 2000’s. His goal as a Christian songwriter was to write songs based on the scriptures. Because of that, many of his songs are saturated with passages and stories found throughout the pages of the Bible. After 40+ years of writing songs, his music, in one way or another, covers the majority of the themes and teachings in the Bible, both Old & New Testament. He has written several very well known songs like El Shaddai. And while most of them are not written with the goal of congregational singing in mind, they are wonderful to listen to, both lyrically and musically.  

One of his songs that is suitable for congregational singing is his 1987 hit, Immanuel. Immanuel is Hebrew for “God with us.” In this hymn, Card starts by quoting Isaiah 7:14 and the promised virgin birth of the Messiah who will be called “Immanuel”, God with us. He is the image of the invisible God and the hope of Salvation to the world. In the bridge, Card jumps to Isaiah 9:2. For those who know Isaiah 9, this is the chapter where we find the promise of a Child being born, a son given, who will be called “Wonderful, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” This Son that was given is the glorious light of life dawning upon all those living in the darkness of sin and death. Card closes his song reminding believers of the great assurance found in Romans 8:31-39 that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He holds us with a steadfast love that cannot be broken. The chorus triumphantly proclaims that if God is for us, there is no one who can stand against us (Romans 8:31). This should be a great encouragement to us especially amid our studies in Revelation. When we face trials and see the great evils of the world, we can have assurance that, in Christ Jesus, we are secure and strengthened to live boldly on mission for Him. We cannot lose because Christ has already won and He is with us always. Praise be to our great Immanuel!