For the past few months, I’ve been living in a space of awe of God–He is God and I am not. He is above me in all things–thought, action, knowledge, power, and purpose. God Stands Alone.
And yet. This Christmas season, an equally powerful truth captures my wonder: this God Who Stands Alone is also the God With Us. Literally. It’s one of His names: Immanuel.
This Immanuel name given hundreds of years before to the prophet Isaiah was recognized as fulfilled in Jesus by the apostle Matthew. Jesus is God come to be with us, come to be one of us, come to live life with us, come to endure human-ness with us. He lived 30-some years as a man–the Son of God bound by human time. He experienced our pain, fears, insecurities, trials, heartbreak, and rejection. He came into all of that because of love.
Not only did He come as a baby and live life to manhood, but He continues to come. It’s an on-going coming.
- He comes by His Spirit to dwell within us. Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
- He comes to us by His Word to light our path. For the word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
- His Kingdom is constantly coming, advancing. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7).
- One day He will come FOREVER. Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God (Revelation 21:3).
The Jesus whose birth we celebrate at Christmastime is the Immanuel God. The God literally coming to be with us. He promises: I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5 & Hebrews 13:5).
If you are in pain this Christmas, Jesus is With you.
If you are afraid or worried, Jesus is With you.
If you are are heartbroken, Jesus is With you.
Wherever and however you are, Jesus is With you.
What a God! This God Who Stands Alone is the same God who willingly choose to be God With Us.
