“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23

I was told that when I was born, my parents debated whether I should be named ‘Emmanuel,’ which was my father’s preference, or Simon Peter, which my mother preferred. My mother’s choice took the day because one of the neighbors had a child named ‘Emmanuel.’

In our meditation today, we reflect on that name, which was first mentioned in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ hundreds of years later. In reference to Christ, the name implied that God through His Son, came to live among us. ‘Emmanuel’ – derived from the Hebrew word ‘Immanuel’ – therefore means the presence of God dwelling with mankind.

The presence of God with us is what makes the difference between Christians and other people. 

In the Old Testament, several symbols represented the presence of God among His people. For example, the ‘tabernacle’ signified God’s dwelling place among His people. Additionally, God’s presence among His people was made evident in a pillar of the cloud and a pillar of fire. The cloud was a symbol of God’s Providence, of His protection, and of His guidance. With the cloud above them, the people could confidently march into the unknown and face any foe without fear.

Furthermore, God’s presence was also symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, so much that the people would match with it to the frontline and expect to win in battle.

But apart from these symbols, people were also aware of God’s spiritual presence with them. For example, it is repeatedly stated that the explanation for Joseph’s favour and success was because “the Lord was with him” (see Genesis 39:2, 21, 23).

In a candid conversation with God (see Exodus 33), God had told Moses that He would not go with the Israelites but would instead send an angel to lead them into the Promised Land. On hearing this “bad news,” the people mourned greatly.  However after listening to Moses’ pleas, God relented and said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (verse 14).

Moses insisted, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth” (verses 15-16).

Only the presence of God can make the differentiate God’s people and God’s servant from the other people that don’t worship the living God.

“Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, spoke the LORD’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the LORD” (Haggai 1:13). Nothing is as reassuring as knowing the Almighty God, the creator of the universe, is with us.

That’s why David stated, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me.”

Jesus, the eternal ‘Emmanuel, said, “Lo, I AM with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Prayer:

Eternal God, thank you for your presence in my life. Help me to know that You will never leave me nor forsake me, whatever situation I might face. Amen!