Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isa 7:14
Matthew 1:23 makes clear this prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of Christ. Matthew further translates the meaning of this name. Immanuel means GOD with us.
GOD with us.
When Jesus was born His name literally meant GOD is with us. Jesus is GOD! Jesus’ deity may be questioned by some today but make no mistake, He was and is GOD. He is GOD the Son. He came to be with us. He has identified with His creation. He left heaven and came to earth to live as a man. (Phil 2:5-8) He was 100% man and 100% GOD during that time.
GOD for us.
The Bible also tells us GOD is for us.
What then shall we say to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31
GOD is on my side! GOD plus one always yields a majority. HE is on my side. Let me be sure that I am on HIS side.
GOD in us.
…through His Spirit who dwells in you. Rom 8:11
One GOD and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all. Eph 4:6
The Spirit of GOD indwells the faithful Christian through the inspired word, the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit comforts (Acts 9:31), strengthens (Eph 3:16), gives us hope (Rom 15:4), transforms us (2 Cor 3:18), and produces fruit within us (Gal 5:22-23).
GOD in us.
And GOD for us.
All because GOD came to be with us.
For that I am most thankful.