Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matt. 1:23)

Jesus could have remained remote in heaven’s realm, but he didn’t. As an infant in a manger, a child in Nazareth, and a Savior on a cross, he knelt down into the dirt of our earth and our shame to demonstrate a holy love that is willing to come near to us. 

Even the name those who prophesied his coming gave to him communicates such love: “Immanuel,” which means God with us. Still, the announcement of our Savior’s name was not the first affirmation of our God’s presence. 

When God walked with our first parents in the Garden of Eden, sealed Noah’s family in the ark, spared Abraham’s son with a provision of sacrifice, delivered Israel from Pharaoh and through the Red Sea, dwelt among his people in the Wilderness, rescued them from enemies, spoke through prophets and apostles with his Word for us, and put his Spirit in us – in all these, our God was demonstrating the Immanuel principle: He is with us!

Why is the Immanuel principle displayed so often in Scripture? The answer is that we can face any trial, walk any path, deal with all the pains of a fallen world so long as we know God is with us. He is!

By his Word and Spirit, God is with you every moment of every day, so that you can face everything with him. God is with you! 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that you are with me. May the truths of your Word be the witness of your Spirit in my heart, assuring me that you will walk with me through anything. May I fear nothing because in everything my God is near!