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.