Emmanuel

Darlene Zschech's “Emmanuel” starts with the statement “There's no one like Jesus,” and lists what he has done: rescued the singer from darkness, filled her life with gladness, carried her burdens, and brought peace in every battle and calm in every storm. The line is repeated so the congregation can take up the statement together.

The verse turns to the cross. “Lord, You took my place with open arms, forgiveness overflows. I am covered by the grace of Calvary.” The singer says she is carried through suffering and that God's love will not let go. Another verse calls him “strength in times of weakness” and the “Word in flesh among us,” who meets her in sadness and walks with her through fire. The bridge says the heavens are open and “nothing can separate me from Your love.” The chorus gives the song its title and its promise: “You are with us, Emmanuel, we will not fear. You'll never leave us.” That line is sung many times, so that fear is answered each time with the name that means God with us. The arrangement builds steadily and is well suited to a service of comfort or trust.

The name Emmanuel is given in Matthew 1:23. Nothing separating us from his love is Romans 8:38-39, and the command not to fear is Isaiah 41:10.