Immanuel- God with us now

No human being has ever chosen to be born into this world, except one.

Here is what the Gospel of Matthew writes about that miraculous birth.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
 and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 1: 18-23

We often hear about single mothers and single dads, but every child is born because of the involvement of a man and a woman. Immanuel is unique. The prophet Isaiah describes him about 700 years before the virgin gives birth to a son. That’s truly miraculous, to say the least.

The God who has always existed decides to come to this world as a baby. This undeniable sign shows his divine nature. No one else has ever been chosen to be born in this way. If anyone has, it is Immanuel – God with us.

Even more, Immanuel is not just a one-time event when God was with us to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. He came to be with us always. First, Jesus came to live with mankind so that he could understand the difficulties people face while living in a tempting and deceitful world. So, the writer of Hebrews eloquently points out.

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

 Hebrews 2:14-15 NAU

This is why Immanuel is beautiful. He didn’t just come to be with us. We can’t imagine Him as a savior who barely managed to save us. No, all His plans are carefully made because of the unconditional love He shows through His nature. He lived in this world and experienced firsthand the struggles of humanity. He took all the sins of mankind to the cross once and for all. He chose to die, but he rose victorious from death because death couldn’t hold onto the Chosen One. Mission accomplished! Now he is living as a high priest, advocating for us in front of the Father, so we can boldly approach His presence anytime. It’s an undeniable sign of Jesus’s divinity. He can advocate for millions of people at the same time, knowing what’s in their hearts, hearing their confessions, and being their Mediator, Priest, Righteousness, and Lord. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can separate us from Jesus living in our hearts and in our lives now.

He came to the earth.

He came to die.

He came to save.

Immanuel – God with us!

Is there any valid excuse for not celebrating Immanuel? Is there any legitimate reason not to welcome the Lord who is eager to be in your presence at this very moment?

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