"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." (Matthew 1:23 NAS95)
Immanuel, God with us, begins the Gospel of Matthew, which also ends with the same message: "...I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). In between these chapters this "withness" with us displays Jesus with a posture toward His people that does not fit the character of history's monarchs with their subjects. As King He treats everyone with the utmost dignity, love, respect and compassion. He listens. Even Jesus' reply to the question Phillip asks reflects an uncanny sense of the meaning of this "withness." "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (Jn. 14:9). Jesus' words reflect His desire for relationship and "withness" to impart the presence of God, a heart to be recognizably known by us as a reflection of God's real character.
We use this verse near Christmas because it speaks of Christ's birth. We need to also hear it as it speaks of His heart and desire for ongoing conversational interaction with us. The King of Kings hungers to commune with you, so much so, that the last passage of Matthew tells us to immerse the new disciple in the presence of the Trinity, the experience of God. Christmas arrives soon, let us live immersed in the presence of God, enjoying relationship with Him as Matthew invites. Immanuel, God with us!
For Reflection:
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19 NAS95)
- Take a moment of silence, listen and grow in the real awareness of God’s presence with you. What happens when you do this?
- What things might help you grow in the awareness of God’s presence with you? What are the ways you can attend to Him as you go about your day?
