EMMANUEL

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) Matt. 1:23.

The NRSV renders this “God is with us”. All New Testament writings are post-resurrection documents. It is commonly believed that Matthew, the Tax Collector and a disciple of Jesus, wrote the Gospel to the Jewish Christians about 80-90 CE (Common Era). Consequently, the message that “God is with us” was of great significance for the vulnerable infant Christian community who were being persecuted and seeking definition and identity. Indeed God was with them. God is always with us. ALWAYS? Yes! Always.

The Creator of all things was born a human “that man no more may die” and he is alive and is with us always. This is no periodic, temporary or ad hoc experience or encounter. God does not just show up when things are going wrong; or when we are desperate and need assistance; or when we are sick; bereaved; or feeling alone. God is with us even when we do not know. God is with us. 

 

This great affirmation is necessary and important for all of us. God is necessary for the good and bad, rich and poor, sinner and saint. In II Corin. 6:16 Paul wrote:”As God has said: "’I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people’" (See also (Lev. 26:12; Jer. 32:38, Ezek. 37:27). It is a fact that God wants to be with us. God searched for Adam (Gen. 3:9); Jesus promised to come for us so that all his followers can be where he is (John 14:3). Jesus commissioned his followers to carry on his work and he assured them that he would be with them in all circumstances (Matt. 28: 20).

Someone once declared the need to see God before he could believe in God. The One who is God with us and amongst us is not easily recognized. John says “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him” John 1: 1-10. Yet, the unclean spirit said “I know who you are—the Holy One of God” (Mk. 1:24); the Centurion recognized him as the Son of God (Matt. 27:54). As we celebrate Christmas and in the New Year let us not only hear God saying “Fear not for I am with you” but also seek to see God in the people we meet. When we strive to see God in those around us, we will be motivated to treat others with love, respect and compassion.

THOUGHT: Pause and say “Yes! God is with me”.

PRAYER FOCUS: Thank God for never leaving or forsaking us.