A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

 IMMANUEL     

Matthew 1:22-23 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

I was a pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, MO. Immanuel was founded in 1844. Its members were German immigrant farmers and their families. They pleaded with C.F. W. Walther, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran church, St. Louis to send them a pastor. He sent them his son-in-law Pastor Buenger to serve them. They built a log cabin in the middle of a forest in western St. Louis County, Missouri as their first church home.   

Today the congregation is surrounded by homes and businesses. Olive Blvd carries over 20,000 cars a day past the church. The worship center is now an Indiana limestone edifice connected to a brick school with an additional annex that houses an early childhood ministry and a Chinese mission.   

A number of years ago a member of the congregation, thinking about the congregation’s name Immanuel, designed a “T shirt” with a picture of the church building with the word Immanuel imprinted to the top and the words “God with us” printed below. This was done at the time of celebrating the congregation’s 150th anniversary. It was recognition and witness to the world that God had been with the congregation throughout its ministry.   

“ . . . the Lord . . . said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Jesus remains Immanuel as the members of Immanuel, Olivette acknowledge ever day through the name of their congregation. Jesus is also your Immanuel as He has promised, “. . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God has promised you: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) As the Psalmist wrote concerning his life so what he wrote is true for yours: “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:6-9)  

Abide, O dearest Jesus, Among us with Your grace  
That Satan may not harm us, Nor we to sin give place. 

Abide, O dear Redeemer, Among us with Your Word,  
And thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford. 

Abide with heav’nly brightness Among us, precious Light;  
Your truth direct and keep us From error’s gloomy night. 

Abide with richest blessings Among us, bounteous Lord;  
Let us in grace and wisdom Grow daily through Your Word. 

Abide with Your protection Among us, Lord, our strength,  
Lest world and Satan fell us And overcome at length. 

Abide, O faithful Savior, Among us with Your love;  
Grant steadfastness and help us To reach our home above.  (LSB 919)