“Immanuel” (God card #6 – Christmas)

We continue this week with God card #6 – I believe God is Christmas. He is a generous giver of great gifts. We weren’t ready to move on, still so much to discuss.

As I began the day at the kitchen table, I found my Bible already there waiting for some conversation. So, I just opened it and found myself at the end of Matthew. Strange, I said to Father. The last chapter of Matthew, the death, crucifixion, the resurrection and now the Great Commission. Is this what is on your mind? We are talking about Christmas, you know. Shouldn’t I be at the front end of this deal?

But I read on. The Great Commission, some of the last red letters in the Bible. His last words to his disciples. Pretty important – I should take notice again.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

As I was reading the commentary about these verses and my scribbles in the side margins, I noticed a note about the words “with you” and a reference to chapter 1, verse 23. The NIV commentary reads: “Matthew ends with the reassuring and empowering words of him who came to earth to be ‘God with us.'” Jesus’ last words were a reminder to me of his nearness. Yes, let’s go on a great adventure of discplemaking but remember, we are together in this. I am with you and have been with you since I first made my entrance – chapter 1, verse 23. So, here is the Christmas verse. Let’s go!

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means ‘God with us.'” Matthew 1:23

The picture of that blessed Christmas night, the baby Jesus, the entrance of God into our places of living to walk with us and ultimately make a way for us back to him. Oh, how he wants us to know – I am with you. He even gives himself the name – Immanuel! But it doesn’t stop there.

This verse in Matthew takes us all the way back to a verse in Isaiah. He has been telling us all along – he is coming! Let us remember this time of Advent is an anticipation – lean in!

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Since the days of the prophets, God has been speaking and moving toward us in love. It is Jesus, and it is Christmas! And in the end of his time of earth, Jesus says again: I will still be with you. As we begin the second week of Advent, let us remember his name – Immanuel! He is with us – what a great gift!