“The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks
The Summer morn I’ve sighed for,
The fair sweet morn awakes
Dark, dark hath been the midnight,
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
The Bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of grace;
Not at the crown He giveth
But on His pierced hand.
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.“
– Anne Ross Cousin, The Sands Of Time Are Sinking (Inspired by Samuel Rutherford’s, The Loveliness Of Christ)
Few truths in Scripture carry the weight and wonder of the promise of Immanuel—God with us. These words, spoken to Joseph in a dream and rooted in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, are not merely a poetic expression. They encapsulate the very heart of the gospel and the foundation of our hope as believers. Immanuel is not just a title; it is the declaration of God’s presence with His people, accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on the meaning of God with us, we uncover a truth that transforms not only our understanding of who God is but also our view of the world and our place within it. Let us examine the prophecy of Immanuel, its fulfillment in Christ, and its implications for us today.
The Prophecy of Immanuel
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). — Matthew 1:23
To fully grasp the significance of the name Immanuel, we must first consider its prophetic origins. The name appears in Isaiah 7:14, a verse spoken to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of political and spiritual crisis. The armies of Israel and Syria were threatening Judah, and King Ahaz, rather than trusting in the Lord, sought security through an alliance with Assyria. It is in this context that the prophet Isaiah delivered a word from God:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14
At its core, this prophecy was a sign of God’s presence and His faithfulness to preserve His people. Though Ahaz doubted and refused to trust in God, the promise of Immanuel declared that God would not abandon His covenant. The name Immanuel—meaning “God with us”—was a reassurance that, despite Ahaz’s unfaithfulness, God would remain faithful.
Yet, as with many Old Testament prophecies, Isaiah 7:14 carried a dual fulfillment. In its immediate context, it likely referred to a child born in Isaiah’s time as a sign of God’s intervention. But Matthew 1:23 reveals that the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy occurred in the birth of Jesus Christ. In Him, the promise of God with us reaches its fullest and most glorious expression.
The Fulfillment in Christ
Matthew, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies Isaiah’s prophecy directly to Jesus, declaring that His birth is the fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel. In Christ, we see the clearest and most profound realization of God with us. This is no longer a symbolic sign but a literal reality. The eternal, infinite God has taken on human flesh and entered our world.
The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s nearness. The Gospel of John echoes this truth: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The Greek word translated as dwelt literally means “tabernacled.” Just as God’s presence once dwelled among His people in the tabernacle during the wilderness journey, so now He has come to dwell among us in the person of Jesus.
It is important to recognize the enormity of what this means. The God who is infinite in power, knowledge, and holiness—the One who spoke creation into existence—stepped into history as a helpless infant. He subjected Himself to the limitations of human flesh, enduring hunger, thirst, fatigue, and suffering. This was not a temporary visitation; it was a full identification with humanity, all for the purpose of redemption.
Why would God do this? Why would He stoop to such depths? The answer lies in His character: His love, His mercy, and His unyielding commitment to His covenant promises. The birth of Jesus demonstrates the lengths to which God will go to save His people and bring them into fellowship with Him.
The Implications of Immanuel
The promise of Immanuel—God with us—has profound implications for every believer. It is a truth that transforms not only how we understand God but also how we live in light of His presence.
1. God’s Presence in Our Suffering
The reality of God with us assures us that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. Jesus, in taking on human flesh, experienced the full range of human suffering. He faced rejection, betrayal, grief, and even death itself. As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Because Christ has walked where we walk, He understands our pain and intercedes for us with compassion. When we face trials, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us, not as a distant observer but as a loving Savior who shares in our burdens and sustains us with His grace.
2. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
The fulfillment of the prophecy of Immanuel in Christ is a testament to God’s faithfulness. For centuries, Israel waited for the promised Messiah, and at the appointed time, God sent His Son into the world. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God is always faithful to His Word. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.”
This truth should strengthen our trust in God’s character. When He promises to be with us, to guide us, and to never leave us, we can have absolute confidence that He will fulfill those promises. Immanuel is the ultimate proof that God keeps His Word.
3. God’s Nearness Through the Holy Spirit
The promise of God with us did not end with Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Before He departed, Jesus assured His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). This promise was fulfilled through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within every believer.
Through the Spirit, God is not merely with us in an external sense but in us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live for His glory. This indwelling presence is a daily reminder that we are never alone. In every decision, every trial, and every moment of joy, the Spirit is with us, pointing us to Christ and assuring us of God’s love.
4. God’s Eternal Fellowship With His People
The promise of Immanuel points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God with us in eternity. Revelation 21:3 gives us a glimpse of this glorious reality: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
In the new heavens and the new earth, there will be no more separation between God and His people. Sin, death, and suffering will be no more, and we will enjoy perfect communion with our Creator forever. The promise of Immanuel is a foretaste of this eternal fellowship, a reminder that God’s ultimate purpose is to dwell with His redeemed people in perfect love and joy.
Living in the Light of Immanuel
What does it mean, then, to live in the light of God with us? It means anchoring our lives in the reality of His presence and allowing that truth to shape every aspect of who we are.
When we feel overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, the promise of Immanuel calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty. When we feel isolated or discouraged, it reminds us that we are never alone. And when we face temptation or sin, it points us to the One who came to save us and empower us to walk in righteousness.
Immanuel also compels us to worship. The God who created the universe has drawn near to us, not because we deserved it but because of His great mercy. This truth should fill our hearts with awe and lead us to lives of gratitude, obedience, and praise.
Finally, the promise of Immanuel calls us to share the good news with others. In a world filled with despair and uncertainty, the message of God with us is a beacon of hope. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to proclaim this message, inviting others to experience the joy and peace of His presence.
Conclusion
The promise of Immanuel—God with us—is the heart of the gospel and the foundation of our hope. In Christ, God has drawn near to His people, fulfilling His promises and securing our salvation. His presence sustains us in our trials, assures us of His faithfulness, and points us to the eternal fellowship we will one day enjoy with Him.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us fix our hearts on the wonder of Immanuel. May we find comfort in His nearness, strength in His promises, and joy in the knowledge that our God is not distant but with us—now and forever.
Prayer:
Lord, we praise You for the gift of Your Son, Immanuel, who came to dwell among us and redeem us from our sins. Help us to live in the light of Your presence, trusting in Your faithfulness and proclaiming the good news of God with us. May our hearts be filled with awe and gratitude as we reflect on the wonder of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reformed Faith Insights 