Matthew 1:23 NRSV; “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

Tis the season, right? All the sermons on Jesus’ birth have been packed with promise and insight. The season we have chosen to celebrate the birthday of our King. But the one message that has stuck with me the most is the one above that describes the meaning of Emmanuel, “God is with us.” You know the coolest part of that? God is ALWAYS with us. That was the whole plan from the beginning, God in us and with us.

At the very beginning when God created man, it was for fellowship. Now, because of Emmanuel, because of the promised Son of God, the third part of the trinity is with us. He will never leave us. He’s our comforter, our friend, our wisdom, our provider, our director and so much more. Yesterday as our church took communion together, it was yet another reminder that we are the body of Christ. Each time we take the elements of the bread and wine, we are partaking of our Lords body until he returns.

Remember Emmanuel, God with us. As you shop for your remaining presents to wrap and place under the tree, as you partake of dinner with your loved ones; God is with you. The greatest gift of all is free. You don’t have to buy it, you simply receive it and give it away. The gift of hope, joy, peace and strength. The knowledge of grace, mercy and love with us always.

Emmanuel. May you tell the story to your children and your grandchildren, to everyone you meet. May it be the first thing you do before your meal, before the gifts. God is with you. Whatever you need, wherever you go, whatever you do, may the words ring out in your heart and on your lips; God is with us.

Father, how grateful we are for this promise you’ve given us. You are with us and you are all we need. We just give you praise, honor and glory today for the sweetest of all gifts, Jesus. Our spirits joined with Your Spirit, always with us, never alone. We are in awe at such perfect wholeness. Everything we need for life and godliness is hidden in us, made alive by your Spirit and Your Word. May it be on our lips and in our hearts; Emmanuel. It’s in your Name we pray. Amen