God With Us

Matthew 1:20b-23 ESV

“…Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

This is the Angel’s message to Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife because what is happening is a fulfillment of prophecy. The Messiah is to be born among mankind. This is a snapshot of the prophecy of the old Testament in Isaiah 7:14 and the fulfillment of that prophecy in Matthew 1:20-23.

The name Immanuel reveals Jesus’ core identity: God dwelling physically among people, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine. This is a mystery of God becoming flesh (fully God and fully man) in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s birth as Immanuel is the ultimate sign of God’s active presence to reveal Himself and save humanity from sin. 

Prayer:

Lord, instead of sending another prophecy, You sent us Your Son to lead us back to You. God in man, fully God and fully man, meaning Jesus Christ is one person with two complete, distinct natures divine and human. You experienced true humanity facing everything that we go through, but You conquered did it perfectly without sin. You retained all the divine attributes and authority, making of Yourself the perfect Mediator. Thank You Lord, Amen!