Immanuel: God with us

Although the Bible never says exactly what time of the year Jesus was born, the time is near when the majority of the Christian world remembers and celebrates. Matthew’s nativity narrative mentions the name Immanuel; in Jesus’ coming, “God is with us.” What does that mean? How and why does this truth change our lives?
The “God with us” event means that God himself has penetrated the human experience. God, Christ, the Holy Spirit have taken up permanent residence in our cities and towns, in our homes, in our lives. Contemplating the reality of such an incredible truth, how shall we then live? What shall we do with this unexpected bonus, this time and this life that is marked by God’s certain presence, Christ inhabiting hearts, the Holy Spirit living within?
The “God with us” event means that God understands the human dilemma totally. He became human and lived among us. He knows our situation from firsthand experience.
The “God with us” event made possible our salvation through Jesus’ perfect and faithful sacrifice.
With the arrival of the spiritual family, there is no place for measuring success or failure. Christianity declares that he is with us; the truth is that he is already here.

These words from Mark Bergin help us understand: “And so we open the Scriptures and say our prayers, not in an effort to be with him, but because he is already with us.”
What a wonderful truth, shining light clearly on a common misunderstanding of the Christian life. Bible reading and prayer is not a part of a daily checklist to be pleasing to God. For the Christian, communication with God is not courtship and seeking relationship. It is the faithful action of the bride of the Lamb seeking ever-deepening relationship and understanding, ever growing love.