All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:22,23)
Christmas gloriously assaults our human intelligence! It tells us Jesus is God. Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah on this truth: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Since Jesus is “God with us,” we can know our sins are forgiven. God came to a world of sinners—living among us and dying for us to pay the whole debt of sin we owe. What love! God came to be “with us” to save us.
Since Jesus is “God with us,” we can be sure of heaven. A sinless God would never allow a sinner to set foot in his heaven. So he came to us to wash us clean from our sins in his blood and to give us his own robe of righteousness, making us fit for heaven.
Since Jesus is “God with us,” we have nothing to fear! God, who was born, lived, suffered, died, rose, and returned to heaven, gives us help in every time of trouble; he defends us against Satan, the world, and our own sinful inclinations; and he gives us victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave.
Today’s text says, “They will call him Immanuel.” Who are the “they”? “They” includes people whom Jesus physically healed and whom he raised from the dead. “They” includes those who saw him calm a storm on a lake, change water into wine, and feed thousands from a tiny bit of food. “They” includes the robber on the cross next to him as well as his own disciples—especially Thomas, who called the risen Jesus “My Lord and my God.”
Do you see Jesus as God? If he is not God to you, then the best he can be is a great man. Human history is filled with great people. No, Jesus is more. He is God—your God. Jesus is “God with us.” God with YOU! To know God is with you in Jesus is beyond reason, but it is great news.
From Tidings of Comfort and Joy. All rights reserved.
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