God With Us
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). Mathew 1:23
The idea of “Immanuel, God with us” is woven throughout the Scriptures. We see from the beginning that God’s desire is to be with His people. He walked with Adam in the garden in the cool of the day. Maybe they talked about garden layouts, naming animals or whether or not Adam had a belly button. Whatever the topic, His presence was immediate and personal.
When Adam and Eve sinned, this perfect relationship was broken. There was now separation between perfect God and sinful man. Mankind was deprived of that intimate relationship with God. As a sign of His grace, God’s presence continued to be with His people in an indirect way.
God’s presence was powerfully evident as He led the Israelites out of Egypt. He appeared in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). He was their leader and His presence went before them.
During their wilderness journey, the tabernacle was the physical dwelling place of God’s presence. God instructed Moses to put the tabernacle at the center of the camp, showing that He was “tenting” or “camping” in the middle of His people.
David says in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” David faced a lot of challenges. From defeating Goliath to reigning as King, God was with him through it all. He is with us today too.
In exile in Babylon, Daniel and his friends experienced God’s presence in amazing ways. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, a fourth figure, described as looking like “a son of the gods,” appeared with them (Daniel 3:25). God also protected Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
When the angel appeared to Mary, she was told the baby would be called “Immanuel, God with us.” The incarnation of Jesus is the ultimate expression of “God with us.” He came to live among us and to restore a personal relationship with God. He wasn’t born in a palace, but in a stable. He can relate to us and understand us. He is with us in our pain, He is with us in our brokenness. He is with us in our every day lives. Jesus is God With Us.
In Revelation 21:3, we see God’s eternal resting place: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” God is no longer distant, but He is near to us. Instead of us going up to meet Him, He comes down to be with us. The separation between God and man is broken. This is why Christ came to us in human flesh.
Christmas is the story of Immanuel – God with us. He desires to be with His people. It’s a gift of grace we don’t deserve, but is given freely. He will never leave us or forsake us. “Immanuel, God with us” brings us the warmth, joy and cheer we need this season.