Emmanuel–God With Us
The name Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," beautifully captures the heart of the Gospel. It’s more than a title—it’s a profound truth: Jesus is God in human flesh, present among us. As John writes, "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood" (John 1:14, MSG). In Jesus, the eternal God stepped into time and space to dwell with His people.
Before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Joseph, revealing that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to name the child Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins. Matthew then reminds us that this miraculous moment was the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’) (Matthew 1:22–23).
Through Jesus, God is no longer distant or detached—He is present. Always. In every season, in every circumstance, we are never alone. His presence brings peace in chaos, strength in weakness, and hope in despair. As God declares in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
As we come to the time of year—gathering with family, exchanging gifts, and celebrating—let’s remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus. God’s own Son, wrapped in humanity, given so that we could be brought into His family forever. Immanuel isn’t just a name—it’s a promise. God is with us, now and always.
Nartarsha Wisewould–Emmanuel—“God with us”—is the central story of Scripture, revealing God’s desire to dwell with humanity. Emmanuel means that God is present in our joy and sorrow, offering peace, hope, and abundant life—now and always.
Nartarsha Wisewould–Emmanuel—“God with us”—is the central story of Scripture, revealing God’s desire to dwell with humanity. In Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, but sin brought separation. Throughout the Old Testament He visited His people in temporary, powerful moments, pointing forward to the promise of Isaiah that God would one day come and dwell with His people. In Jesus, that promise was fulfilled as God took on flesh to save us, restore our relationship with Him, and show us how to live. After Jesus returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within believers, making us God’s living temple and assuring us that He will never leave or forsake us. Emmanuel means that God is present in our joy and sorrow, offering peace, hope, and abundant life—now and always.