God Is With Us: Emmanuel
If you could remember only one promise of Christmas, what would it be? For me, it would have to be the meaning behind the name given to Christ.
As Joseph wrestled with Mary’s pregnancy, the angel appeared to him, referencing the prophet Isaiah, and said (Matthew 1:23, KJV): "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Think about the depth of that promise: "God with us."
In the Old Testament, God’s presence was often confined to the Temple, or sometimes manifested as a terrifying cloud or fire. He was holy, distant, and powerful—and rightly so. But with the Incarnation, everything changed. God stepped out of the vastness of heaven and into the fragile reality of human flesh.
The Christ-child is the walking, breathing, undeniable proof that God did not remain distant from our struggles, fears, or imperfections. He came with us.
What does "Emmanuel" mean for you today?
It means you are never truly alone. If you are facing a difficult medical diagnosis, a strained relationship, or just the deep weariness of the season, Emmanuel is there. He isn't watching from a distance; He is right here, intimately acquainted with your sorrow and your joy.
It means your prayers don't have to cross the cosmos to reach Him. Because Jesus lived as a man, He understands temptation, tiredness, and hunger. He knows the weight of walking in this world, and He intercedes for us with perfect understanding.
The world often tries to convince us that we must work harder, achieve more, or clean up our lives before we can be close to God. But the name Emmanuel shatters that lie. The entire Christmas story is God making the first move, closing the distance, and moving into our neighborhood.
Today, let this truth sink into your soul: You are a beloved child of a God who chose to pitch His tent right next to yours. The promise wasn't "God is thinking about us" or "God will visit us soon." The promise is "God with us."
As we walk through the sometimes overwhelming chaos of December, let the quiet strength of that name anchor you. No matter what comes today, you don't face it alone. Emmanuel, our loving God, is right here.