Immanuel, God With Us
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Nothing beats being in person with those we love and enjoy spending time with. But when that is not possible, one of the next best things is social media. I am fully aware of its negative sides, but it gives us the opportunity to stay in touch with people. We can see what they are doing, celebrate their moments, and stay connected even when we're miles apart. It can give us a window into someone else's world. While it can never replace being present in person, it can help us stay engaged when we can't be there.
In the early days of the nation of Israel, after they fled slavery in Egypt and spent years in the desert, God’s presence was with them first as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When they built a tent tabernacle to move with them, God’s presence resided in that space. When Solomon built the first temple, God took up residence in the Holy of Holies. How cool that must have been!
God’s glory and presence left the temple prior to the Babylonian destruction of it and the exile of the people due to their persistent idolatry and corruption. The second temple was built after the exile ended, but there is no record that God filled that space like before. Many Old Testament prophets received a word from God to share with the people.
Several of these prophets foretold a coming Savior. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be born of a virgin and would be called Immanuel seven hundred years before Luke 2 records His birth. The Hebrew meaning of Immanuel is “God with us,” an appropriate title for this incarnation of God Himself. He literally took on flesh and blood and “tabernacled” among us in the form of Jesus, His Son. Jesus showed us God’s glory and extended His grace and truth. Once again, God's presence was among the people, but this time in human flesh.
John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus was fully God and fully human, without sin. He lived a perfect life, setting the example for us.
Jesus began His earthly ministry at the age of thirty. He lived among the people, engaging them in conversation, calling them by name, teaching them about the Father, extending compassion, healing their illnesses, working miracles, and showing them God’s love. Whenever He spoke, Jesus spoke the Father’s words. Whatever He did, Jesus did exactly as the Father would do.
He did this for three short years until it was time for Him to fulfill His ultimate purpose and mission-to die on the cross for our sins and overcome the grave. No doubt, the people in His inner circle and those who knew and walked with Him were initially shattered by His death and the fact that He was no longer with them. To those at the time, Jesus’ presence probably felt temporary. But Jesus is eternally with us.
He gave us the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, making His presence in our lives real even now. Jesus promised that the Spirit would do everything He did and more. The Holy Spirit is counselor, teacher, and guide, and empowers the church to carry out God’s mission to make disciples of all nations by sharing the good news of Christ and glorifying God.
We can feel and experience Jesus' presence in our lives by spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word. He was relational on earth, and He still is today. He desires a personal relationship with each of us. Jesus is alive, even today, and He wants to be part of our everyday lives. May we be ever attentive to His presence in our lives. He goes before us and with us.
Even greater news is that God’s Word promises that Jesus will return one day to create a new heaven and earth and dwell with us again for eternity. What a hope we have to cling to!
Call to Action
What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us?
Where have you felt and experienced His presence in your life lately?
What can you do or not do to be more attentive to His presence?
How does the promise of eternal life and dwelling with Him motivate you to share this hope with others?
Digging Deeper
Read these additional verses: Psalm 139:7–10, Matthew 28:20, Mark 16:15-16, Romans 8:11, Colossians 2:9, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 13:5, Revelation 1:17-18.
Prayer
Jesus, Immanuel, thank you for being with us at all times. Thank you for taking on human form and giving us an example of how to live our lives. Help us follow your lead and be ever mindful of your presence in our lives. Help us not to miss you in the grind of life, and help us to look to the future with hope of Your return. Give us the courage to share with those around us who do not know You.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens