In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the profound truth behind the name Immanuel, meaning "God with us." The birth of Jesus marks the moment when God, in His love and grace, chose to dwell among us in human form. But what does it truly mean for us today that God is with us? How does the presence of Christ—Emmanuel—transform our lives, our faith, and our understanding of God’s closeness and care?

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We’d love to hear your thoughts on the meaning of Immanuel and how you experience God’s presence in your life, especially during Christmas. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How has the truth that God is with you made a difference in your life, and how do you celebrate His presence this Christmas season?

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Full Transcript Below:

Immanuel: How God is With Us?
Written By: Emma Danzey

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

Did you know that when you woke up this morning God was with you? Did you know that when you received that horrible news God was with you? Did you know that when you reached that goal God was with you? 

One of the most beautiful gifts to give a loved one is quality time. This is one of my top love languages. It does not matter what we are doing, but simply being with my husband makes my heart happy. Being with someone implies closeness, availability and being on a team. One of the most unique blessings that Jesus gave to us was not just coming to be with us physically and die for our sins (Although vital to our salvation), but He also explained that He needed to ascend to the Father so He could send the Holy Spirit (The Helper) to be with all believers. 

When Jesus walked this earth, individuals sought after Him among crowds trying to be noticed or touch His robe or get just a moment of His time to talk with Him. Now that we have access to the Holy Spirit, we do not have to wait in line, get only a moment to speak or fly to Israel to connect with Jesus. We have His Spirit with us all of the time, no matter what. He is Immanuel, God with us. 

John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

A Renewed Perspective on God’s Presence 

When was the last time that you had gratitude in your heart for being able to have immediate, uninterrupted, and full time connection to God? This is something that I forget is a blessing every day. It is easy to live after Pentecost and believe that this is just the norm and it is what we know. However, this presence, this Spirit within us came at a great cost. God left His perfect world to enter our broken one, He took on the weight of our sins when He was perfect, and He blesses us with the opportunity to be redeemed children who always have His presence with us.

One of the most devastating moments in the garden of Eden was when God had to kick Adam and Eve out of His presence. They learned what it was like to miss Him. He used to walk among them and speak with them and they had perfect unity and safety in His created world. However, sin stole their ability and our ability to be in the presence of the perfect Lord. Jesus was the only way to be reunited with our Creator. We do not see Him yet, but He has given us the seal of His Holy Spirit as a deposit of His return. 

What are some ways that God Promises He is With Us?

• He is with us always: Matthew 28:20

• His Spirit is sealed upon every believer. Ephesians 1:13

• He is with us in trials. Isaiah 41:10 

• He is with us in our fears. Psalm 23:4

• He is with us when we are alone. Deuteronomy 31:16

• His Spirit is with us when we are gathered as believers. Matthew 18:20

As we approach this Christmas and we hear the name of Jesus read or sung as Immanuel, may it have an even deeper and richer meaning to us. He gave us Himself and now we have His full attention and love with us always. This is a beautiful gift of salvation that began at the little town of Bethlehem.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

How have you experienced God with you? How can you have peace that He fulfills this promise even when you are not physically seeing Him or feeling His presence? How can you ponder the beauty of Jesus, God coming in flesh to us as a baby this Christmas to be our Savior and give us His Spirit forever? 

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 7:14

• John 1:14

• Matthew 28:19-20