“The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously… Shout, and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 46:5; Isaiah 12:5-6
Immanuel, that wondrous name of Jesus. God with us. He has come, He is ours. When we understand what it means that the Lord God is in our midst, a lot of singing takes place. We can only imagine the song that was sung at the hearing of this prophecy of God in their midst, the rejoicing because of His presence. When Mary received the heavenly announcement that she would bear Immanuel, her soul magnified the Lord. The reality of God, our Redeemer, Savior, Advocate, Comforter, Companion, and Finisher of our faith, in our midst, compels us to sing! (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:46-50)
Yet we are not the only ones singing. What must amaze and bring rapturous delight is that our God rejoices over us with glad singing. He takes delight in us whom He has made, in joyous love, abounding mercy, rich compassion. If He is indeed with me, I need never worry over being abandoned or alone. If He is mighty to save, why would I fret or fear? If He quiets me with His love, what can make me anxious and insecure? If He has set His affection on me and exults over me, I can rest secure in His sure salvation, unshaken by whatever comes. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)
“O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace.” ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
So as I smile, relishing the Savior’s rejoicing over me, what will be my song? Will I lift my voice to delight in Immanuel, singing scriptures back in gratitude? Will I boldly sing His praises to others, telling of His wondrous deeds and grace toward me? Do I bring joyful fragrance to the atmosphere wherever I am with His music? (Psalm 96:3)
“Go spread the news of Immanuel
Joy and peace for the weary heart
Lift up your heads, for your King has come
Sing for the Light overwhelms the dark
Glory shining for all to see
Hope alive, let the gospel ring
God has made a way, He will have the praise
Tell the world His name is Jesus.” ~ Sing We the Song of Immanuel, by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Stuart Townend (2015)
As the rain and snow 