Emmanuel – God with Us

The prophet Isaiah spoke of Immanuel, God with us. Immanuel would be the sign from God to the Israelites, letting them know that God had not forgotten them. But what does Immanuel: God with us mean for today, more than 2000 years later, other than just another pretty Christmas card?

Immanuel, God with us, is Jesus. If you have been fooled into thinking that Immanuel is just another name for God we use during the Christmas season, I have great news for you: Immanuel is so much more!

Jesus is the living embodiment of the Godhead. Yes, He lives still today, and even though He is not physically here, He is still very much here with us. Immanuel is the presence of God and the peace that He provides during our darkest and most challenging hours. Immanuel is that small peace in your heart when you hear the diagnosis of cancer. Immanuel is the strength to sit up all night with a sick child. Immanuel is the grace to forgive your spouse when they hurt your feelings for the third time this week, and it is only Monday. Immanuel is trusting God to provide when you lose your job, or the car breaks down, or your refrigerator is empty – again. God with us.

Too often we look at the fancy gold lettering on a Christmas card and forget the miracle of why we celebrate Christmas: God came here, as Jesus, to save us. Born of a virgin, celebrated by angels, worshipped by shepherds, growing up and living a life without sin so He could trade His life for ours – for mine – for yours. May we marvel at the wonder in that decision: Immanuel, God with us.

God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, all three parts of the Godhead are here with us. Loving us, leading us, shepherding us. What grace the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called His children! How amazing that we celebrate not just the birth of a child, but the birth of the Christ child, the Messiah, our Savior, at Christmas.

Today, whatever you are facing, whether it is a mountaintop high in your faith or the lowest valley, take heart, Jesus is right there with you, today and every day – Immanuel – God with us!

Carol and her husband Kurt are in their 15th year of home education. With one graduate and one high school senior, Carol writes with a practical look at the whole journey of home education. Focusing on experienced based education and frugal ways to teach and learn well, Carol offers encouragement that anyone, even working moms, can homeschool successfully. Carol writes for her local newspaper, the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, and reviews books for several Christian Publishers. You can find her love of nature, field trips, and lifelong learning on her blog: Home Sweet Life.